A primary school in Lyon, France, was set ablaze and vandalised with antisemitic and pro-Palestinian graffiti, including swastikas, in what officials are calling a deeply troubling attack against the republic. The local prefecture confirmed the attempted arson at the Nové-Josserand school, where slogans and symbols were found in three classrooms. Although the fire was contained to outdoor bathroom facilities, the incident has prompted a national outcry, reports The Jerusalem Post.
“This is not just vandalism — it’s an attack on our republic,” said Mohamed Chihi, deputy mayor for tranquillity, safety, and security. “Antisemitic graffiti, swastikas, attempted arson: these acts target our school and, therefore, our republic. The city condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms and will file a formal complaint.”
Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. The school has no known ties to the Jewish community, raising concerns that the targeting was symbolic — a broader assault on democratic and republican values, underpinned by antisemitism.
Yonathan Arfi, president of CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France), posted on social media: “The Palestinian cause is used as justification for burning down a school. The Nazification of Israel serves as fuel for crass antisemitism.”
The regional branch of CRIF in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes echoed the condemnation and linked the incident to a disturbing pattern of antisemitic vandalism across France. Just days earlier, three synagogues, a Jewish restaurant, and the Shoah Memorial in Paris were defaced. “This is not one ‘tag too many,’ nor an isolated act. It is a signal. A passage to action. Those who dream of a France without Jews are now setting fire to schools.”
Thomas Rudigoz, a former MP and current metropolitan councilor, expressed outrage that the attack occurred so close to the Montluc prison memorial — a site dedicated to remembering Nazi atrocities. “Hatred is reborn where memory should protect,” he said. “Shame on those who stir up hatred.”
Carole Delga, president of the Occitania Regional Council, added, “From Paris to Lyon, our republic is once again ravaged by hatred. Shame on those who minimise these facts and fuel this climate.”
Photo credit: EMMANUEL FOUDROT/ REUTERS
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