An elderly Jewish woman in Paris was subjected to antisemitic abuse after activists allegedly affiliated with the far-left party La France Insoumise (LFI) noticed a mezuzah on her apartment door, reports Israel National News.
The incident took place on Sunday in the city’s 19th arrondissement, as activists were distributing campaign leaflets ahead of the upcoming Paris mayoral elections. The activists were reportedly canvassing in support of LFI candidate Sophia Shikiru.
According to the report, when the activists arrived at the woman’s building and saw the mezuzah — a small case containing a Jewish prayer traditionally affixed to doorposts — she chose not to open her door. The activists then allegedly shouted antisemitic insults, calling her a “dirty Jew” and saying, “We’ll be back,” before leaving the premises.
The woman contacted police shortly afterwards and is said to be considering filing a formal complaint. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the building’s entrance in an effort to identify those responsible.
The reported incident comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitism in France. In a separate case just days earlier, the façade of the Cocorico restaurant in Paris’s 17th arrondissement was vandalised when acid was reportedly thrown inside the premises, causing significant damage. Police are investigating that case as well.
France has experienced a marked rise in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, including verbal harassment, vandalism and physical attacks. Jewish organisations have repeatedly warned that visibly Jewish individuals and homes displaying religious symbols, such as mezuzot, have increasingly become targets.
At the time of publication, La France Insoumise had not publicly commented on the allegations. The investigation remains ongoing.
Photo credit: iStock
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