Antisemitism in France is 'new routine,' according to French Jewish Community Protection Service

High levels of antisemitism are the new norm in France, according to the CEO of the French Jewish Community Protection Service (SPCJ).

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, the CEO of SPCJ said he had hoped antisemitic incidents would begin to decrease after a 1000% increase in recorded antisemitic incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, as reports of antisemitism continued at high levels in 2024, he noted that it appeared to be the “new routine” in France.

SPCJ was established in 1980 following the Copernic street bombing in Paris. It is a non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Jewish life in its various forms across France and collaborates closely with the French Ministry of the Interior to monitor and respond to antisemitic incidents, including  physical protection such as cameras, secure doors, and alarm systems.

The overwhelming majority of antisemitic attacks take place on the streets or close to home, according to the SPJC records. About 60% of antisemitic activities experienced by French Jews reportedly involve violence, verbal and physical harassment. The remaining 40% of incidents are attacks against Jewish businesses and institutions.

In 2023, according to SPCJ records, 31.9% of antisemitic incidents occurred on private property, and 20.4% happened on public streets.

However, the SPCJ head said that French Jews need to be realistic, acknowledging the danger but recognizing that there are organizations that seek to protect them.

“I won’t say that there is no future in France – our mission is to secure the future of French Jews,” he said.

The SPCJ has dozens of employees and thousands of volunteers across France but is forced to operate below the radar, as antisemitic groups look for opportunities to gather information to prepare for attacks. He said anti-Israel groups typically research upcoming Jewish or Israeli events throughout France in order to organize protests and demonstrations.

The SPCJ efforts to combat antisemitism include providing training on what to do in the case of an emergency, including incidents at schools, synagogues and supermarkets. One area of education is tailored toward children to teach them to be “strong, proud Jews” and prepare French Jews to practice resilience in the face of antisemitic attacks.

Last month, following the far-left election wins, French Jews expressed fear that there was no future for them in the country. Before the elections, Chief Rabbi Moshe Sebbag of the Grande Synagogue of Paris told young French Jews to leave for Israel.

“It is clear today that there is no future for Jews in France,” Sebbag said. “I tell everyone who is young to go to Israel or a more secure country.” 

Right-wing Israeli politician Avigdor Liberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party, echoed the rabbi's statement.

“I call on the French Jews to leave France and immigrate to the State of Israel. There is no time,” Liberman stated.