Macron pledges to strike back at antisemitic hatred after memorial tree truncated
Vandalism of an Olive Tree Sparks Outrage in France
In the northern Paris suburb of Epinay‑sur‑Seine, a tree planted in memory of Ilan Halimi was cut down on Wednesday night, probably with a chainsaw. The act has inflamed discussions about antisemitic hate crimes in a country already facing mounting tensions over Gaza.
Political Condemnation Across the Spectrum
- President Emmanuel Macron demanded severe punishment for the “hatred” involved and pledged an uncompromising fight against antisemitism.
- Prime Minister François Bayrou called the tree a “living bulwark against oblivion” and urged that the nation continue its relentless battle against hatred.
- Officials pledged to establish a new memorial tree as soon as possible.
Reactions of France’s Jewish Community
Members of France’s largest Jewish community have reported a surge in antisemitic incidents after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent bombardment of Gaza.
Statements by Jewish Community Leaders
- Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), described the tree felling as “extremely painful.”
- Arfi added that those who desecrated Halimi’s memory are no better than those who took his life 20 years ago.
- He warned that the act is not just another antisemitic incident but a proclamation that antisemites are present more than ever.
Police and Legal Response
Mayor Herve Chevreau filed a criminal complaint. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez condemned the “despicable act” and announced that an investigation had been launched.
Background on Ilan Halimi
Ilan Halimi, a 23‑year‑old French Jewish man, was lured by a 17‑year‑old girl into a basement in the Bagneux housing estate where he was attacked, subdued with ether, and held prisoner for ransom. He was found naked, bound, and gagged on February 13, 2006, after 24 days of torture.
Sentencing of Youssouf Fofana
Youssouf Fofana, the head of the gang dubbed the “Barbarians,” was sentenced to life in prison. Fofana recruited followers among youths from Paris’s bleak immigrant suburbs.
Previous Vandalism of Memorial Trees
Two other trees planted in tribute to Halimi were vandalised and sawed down in 2019 in the southern suburb of Sainte‑Genevieve‑des‑Bois.
Statistical Context of Antisemitic Acts in France
- Antisemitic acts in France rose from 436 in 2022 to 1 676 in 2023, then dipped to 1 570 last year, according to the interior ministry.
- The incident in Epinay‑sur‑Seine adds to the urgency for France to address the rising hate crimes with decisive action.
