The situation is “extremely worrying” for the city of Paris. During a press briefing on Thursday, November 9, 2023, before the city council meeting, Nicolas Nordmann, deputy in charge of security and municipal police, gave an update on the antisemitic acts recorded in the capital since the resurgence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“An explosion of antisemitic acts”
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, more than 1,000 antisemitic acts have been recorded in France, including 257 incidents in the capital resulting in 90 arrests. According to Nicolas Nordmann, Paris is witnessing an “explosion of acts and a resurgence of antisemitic graffiti and posters.” Recently, a man was attacked on public transportation while wearing a rabbi’s attire and hateful and violent chants were sung on the subway.
As the case of the stars of David appearing on the walls of Paris and the inner suburbs continues to challenge the justice system, the deputy elaborated on the procedure in the event of this type of vandalism. “A report is made by the municipal police, in connection with the national police, and then an investigation is opened under Article 40 of the Penal Code,” the deputy explained. This law specifies that “any constituted authority, public officer, or official who, in the exercise of their functions, obtains knowledge of a crime or offense is required to report it promptly to the public prosecutor and to transmit to that magistrate all the information, reports, and acts related to it.” Finally, the graffiti is erased as quickly as possible because their presence “frees up antisemitic speech,” condemns Nicolas Nordmann.
400,000 euros to strengthen security
In the face of tensions, the city is carrying out security measures, deploying concrete blocks and increasing patrols of the municipal police around certain locations. So far, five sites have been “identified” and security has been “urgently addressed.” During the upcoming Paris council meeting, the majority will submit to a vote an exceptional aid of 400,000 euros to strengthen the security of the premises of the Unified Jewish Social Fund (FSJU) in the 5th arrondissement and the European Center for Judaism located in the 17th arrondissement.
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The deputy in charge of security also outlined the main points of the 2023-2026 Parisian prevention and security contract. A framework document that should “address all aspects of the chain,” from prevention (recidivism, victim assistance, awareness against school bullying) to security and public tranquility actions.
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