Israel Urges France to Boost Security for Jewish Communities Ahead of Oct 7
Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli urged French officials to boost security for Jewish sites amid rising antisemitic threats ahead of the October 7 anniversary.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli sent urgent letters early this week to French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, demanding active measures to enhance security for the country's Jewish community. The move follows intelligence assessments indicating a heightened threat level against Jews in France, driven by converging violent protests and upcoming commemorations of the October 7 massacre.
Chikli noted that recent high school demonstrations across France have devolved into platforms for blatant antisemitic incitement, ranging from Palestinian flags and anti-Israel slogans to swastikas painted inside schools. Hostility is increasingly targeting Jewish and Israeli sites, fueled by events such as the vandalism of an Israeli flag at the Place de la Bastille and activist demands to ban an upcoming Aliyah fair in Paris.
Intelligence Data and Antisemitic Incidents
Official French Interior Ministry data cited in the letter reveals 533 antisemitic acts during the first half of 2026, accounting for 46 percent of all anti-religious incidents in France despite Jews making up less than 1 percent of the population. Furthermore, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs tracked 34 antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents between January 1 and July 26, alongside approximately 60 anti-Israel demonstrations.
"The anniversary of October 7 has become a focal point for those seeking to harm Jews and Israelis, and the closer we get to it, the greater the vigilance required," Chikli wrote, expressing deep concern over planned nationwide student mobilizations and demonstrations.
Security Demands Ahead of October 7
With student organizations declaring a day of rage and roadblocks ahead of the third anniversary of the Hamas attack, Chikli urged French authorities to heavily reinforce security around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers. He also called for the protection of memorial events and the scheduled Aliyah fair, while urging officials to ban protests that glorify the October 7 massacre or incite violence against Jews.
