Tens of thousands of people across France took to the streets on Sunday in a massive march to protest against the sharp rise in antisemitic acts following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The largest demonstration was held in Paris, where an estimated 105,000 protesters rallied against antisemitism. This marks the largest mobilization against antisemitism since the protesting of the desecration of the Jewish cemetery in Carpentras in 1990. The protest was attended by prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. They joined the demonstrators in holding a banner that read, "For the Republic, against antisemitism."
While the Paris march drew the largest numbers, smaller demonstrations were also held in cities like Nice, Lyon, and Marseille. Overall, more than 182,000 people participated in marches across the country, according to the interior ministry. The demonstrations come in response to the growing tensions and surge in antisemitic incidents in France, particularly in Paris, since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the rise of antisemitism in the country. In a letter published in the French newspaper Le Parisien on Saturday, Macron described the resurgence of antisemitism as "unbearable." He stated that over 1,000 antisemitic acts were committed in France within a month, triple the number recorded in the entire previous year. Macron emphasized that a France where Jewish citizens live in fear is not the kind of France he wants.
Although Macron did not participate in the Sunday march, he took to social media to reiterate his stance. He wrote that a France where people fear discrimination based on their religion or origin is not acceptable, and there should be no tolerance for such acts. Macron's comments came after he faced criticism from prominent figures in Israel for his earlier statements regarding the situation in Gaza. Macron had called for a ceasefire, stating that attacking civilians cannot be justified.
In a phone call with Israeli President Issac Herzog on Sunday, Macron reiterated France's solidarity with Israel, stating that it has the right to defend itself in compliance with international humanitarian law. He acknowledged the need to eliminate the threat posed by terrorist groups in Gaza while ensuring the protection of civilian populations.
The massive march against antisemitism in France coincided with pro-Palestinian demonstrations across several European capitals. In London, around 300,000 people participated in a pro-Palestinian rally on Saturday, calling for a ceasefire. However, the protest was marred by clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters, leading to arrests. Similar rallies took place in Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Brussels, signaling widespread support for Palestine in Europe.
The demonstrations in France and across Europe reflect the underlying tensions and divisions caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict. While people call for an end to antisemitism and violence, there is also a growing demand for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures lasting peace and justice for both sides.