Parisians come together to light candles in solidarity after synagogue attack

Around 200 people gathered at the Place de la République in Paris at the start of the Jewish Shabbat to remember the synagogue attack in Rouen. The assault on a synagogue in Rouen earlier in the day heightened concerns among the Jewish community, with many worried about attending synagogue services that evening.

The Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) called on Parisians to join in a candle-lighting ceremony at 6 pm as a show of solidarity against antisemitism. The attack in Rouen, where a man armed with a knife and a metal bar started a fire that severely damaged a synagogue, was labeled as “clearly” antisemitic by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

The attacker, a suspected Algerian national, had not been flagged as a potential extremist. Darmanin praised the police officer who used his service weapon against the assailant, describing him as “particularly dangerous” and “violent.” The officer’s actions were deemed “extremely courageous” and “professional.”

France has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents following the Israel-Hamas conflict, with over 1,200 antisemitic acts reported in the final quarter of 2023. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal highlighted the urgent need to address and combat rising antisemitism in the country.

“This antisemitic act in Rouen affects us all, deeply,” Darmanin said, emphasizing France’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its Jewish population. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action to prevent further acts of hate and violence.