A 13-year-old Jewish boy was violently assaulted on Monday evening in Paris while walking to a synagogue. Five attackers reportedly beat him, threatened him with a knife, stole his belongings, and shouted antisemitic insults during the attack. One suspect has been arrested, while four others remain at large, reports YNetNews.
The incident took place at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Boulevard de la Chapelle, in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the boy was on his way to synagogue and was holding his kippah in his hand when he was approached by five men.
The attackers allegedly demanded that he hand over his coat and empty his pockets. When he resisted, they knocked him to the ground and punched him in the face. The boy reported that one of the assailants pressed a knife against his neck during the assault. His AirPods were stolen. Throughout the attack, the perpetrators are said to have made antisemitic remarks.
At the time of the assault, the boy was on a video call with another person. This individual was able to identify one of the attackers, leading police to arrest an 18-year-old suspect at his home. He was taken into custody and questioned at the police station in the 18th arrondissement. The four other suspects have not yet been apprehended.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are treating the case as armed robbery and aggravated assault committed by a group, with a discriminatory motive. Police are continuing efforts to identify and locate the remaining suspects.
The attack comes amid a significant rise in antisemitic incidents across France. According to data from the French Interior Ministry, the number of antisemitic acts has tripled since October 2023. Physical assaults against Jews and individuals visibly displaying Jewish religious symbols have also increased, particularly in the Paris region.
Jewish community leaders have repeatedly warned that Jewish children and teenagers are increasingly being targeted in public spaces. This latest attack reinforces concerns about the safety of visibly Jewish individuals in France and highlights the ongoing challenge of combating antisemitic violence.
Photo credit: Benoit Tessier/Reuters
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