In Paris, a significant march took place with a turnout of a hundred thousand people against anti-Semitism. The presence of Marine Le Pen, heir to a party historically marked by anti-Semitism, caused surprise and controversy. On the other hand, the absence of President Emmanuel Macron sparked debate, interpreted as an effort to not appear aligned with Israel amidst tensions in Gaza.
The demonstration spread across several French cities, condemning the increase in anti-Semitic acts, which surpassed 1,300 in the last month. The march in Paris, from Les Invalides to the Parliament headquarters, saw massive participation in the rain, marked by the singing of the Marseillaise and the waving of tricolor flags.
The Jewish community in France, the largest in Europe, has been the target of recent attacks and assaults, generating a widespread feeling of anger and indignation. This climate led to the need for a civic response, manifested in the march organized by Yael Braun-Pivet and Gérard Larcher.
The march saw the presence of notable political figures, although Macron was physically absent. Among the attendees were the head of government Elisabeth Borne, former presidents, former prime ministers, the mayor of Paris, and personalities from the intellectual and cultural sphere, as well as ordinary citizens and young people.
Marine Le Pen, despite attempts by a Jewish collective to prevent her participation, attended and emphasized her opposition to racism. The demonstration also saw the presence of members of the far-right and representatives from various political parties.
Macron’s absence was attributed to his caution in not being seen as overly pro-Israeli in a delicate international context. Regarding the resurgence of anti-Semitism, it was expressed that any form of racism, regardless of its origins, is condemnable and that France must remain united around republican values.
The march in Paris represented a significant union against anti-Semitism, highlighting the importance of solidarity against hatred and discrimination. The diversity of the participants, from political leaders to ordinary citizens, reflected the collective commitment to the values of freedom and tolerance. The demonstration was not only an act of repudiation against anti-Semitic acts but also a demonstration of the resilience of French society as a whole.
Despite President Macron’s notable absence, the event evidenced France’s strong stance against racism and anti-Semitism. The participation of figures from different political and social spectrums underscored the cross-cutting nature of the fight against intolerance. The march, in its essence, was a powerful reminder that, beyond political or ideological differences, there is a common consensus in defending human rights and the dignity of all individuals.