A Jewish primary school in Paris’s 20th arrondissement was vandalized this weekend in what Jewish groups have decried as a reminder of the alarming level of antisemitism Jewish communities in France face.
On Saturday night, unknown individuals went to Beth Loubavitch-Beth Hannah and smashed three windows, damaged surveillance equipment, and ripped off a plaque. According to the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, the plaque was later found in a nearby square.
Police said the plaque clearly identified the building as a Jewish educational institution.
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into aggravated criminal damage, citing two aggravating circumstances – the offence was committed by a group, and it was motivated by religion.
Jewish groups condemned the incident, and Israel’s Foreign Ministry said, “Targeting a school, a place of learning and gathering for children, constitutes a grave and deeply alarming act.”
Alarming level of antisemitism
The European Jewish Congress said the attack was “yet another reminder of the alarming level of antisemitism facing Jewish communities in France and across Europe.”
It added, “Acts of hatred directed at Jewish institutions, especially those involving children, must be met with absolute zero tolerance.”
“Protecting Jewish schools, synagogues, and community institutions is not optional; it is a fundamental responsibility.”
French-Jewish politician Shannon Seban said the normalization of antisemitism is a “grave failure” for France and lamented that in 2025, “families must fear for the safety of their children solely because they are Jewish.”
Antisemitism has dramatically increased in France since October 7. January 2025 data indicated that 1,570 antisemitic incidents were recorded in France during 2024, highlighting a fourfold increase from previous years.