Comment

Comment by Parrhesia on February 22, 2019 at 9:20am

President of the Representative Council of Jewish Organisations of France: Yellow Jackets are antisemitic. Must be banned using drastic measures. 

Is France experiencing a strong uptick in antisemitism?

Frances Kalifat: Clearly, yes. The increase of 74% in 2018 of antisemitic acts means that the Jewish population of our country, which represents less than 1% of the overall population, is the focus of more than 59% of the racist acts committed.

Is it stirred up by the Gilets Jaunes?

Frances Kalifat: The movement has radicalised and been infiltrated by conspiratorial movements, the far right, the far left, Islamo-leftists and Salafists. It gives them the opportunity to come and express their hatred of Jews, Israel, during these demonstrations on Saturday.

What should be done?

Frances Kalifat: Drastic measures must be taken to bring these demonstrations to an end, which are no longer used to make claims about purchasing power but instead express hatred of institutions, the Republic and Jews.

You are calling for the demonstrations to be banned?

Frances Kalifat: There is a constitutional right to demonstrate, but a way must be found to make them stop, in any case to channel them. Only demonstrations declared in writing beforehand need to be permitted; prevent the others. We can’t continue like this, Saturday after Saturday.

Source: Le Parisien (February 19, 2019)