Macron: Anti-Semitism Has Reached Its Highest Level Since World War II

The President of France states that the unprecedented rise in anti-Semitism in various countries around the world has led to an unprecedented situation since World War II. Emmanuel Macron, whose country is currently witnessing widespread protests against anti-Semitism, met with leaders of Jewish communities in France on the first of Esfand. Macron told the Council of French Jews that anti-Semitism has significantly intensified and 'the situation has worsened considerably in recent weeks.' The French President stated that 'our country, and thus all of Europe and most Western democracies, are apparently facing an unprecedented increase in anti-Semitism since World War II.' He added that Paris will accept the definition of anti-Semitism provided by the 'International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.' The 'International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance' states that one of the cornerstones of anti-Semitism is 'preventing the personal decision-making rights of Jewish citizens, for example by claiming that the existence of the state of Israel is a racist endeavor.' In the last days of Bahman, thousands of citizens in France protested against anti-Semitism and its increase in their country in various cities. French citizens gathered in Paris and nearly 70 other cities, while 18 political parties in France called on citizens to join these protests. French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and many members of the government cabinet also participated in the protests in Paris. These protests were held against the backdrop of recent incidents of anti-Semitism, including swastikas drawn on several gravestones belonging to Jews in Alsace, a region adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. This is not the first time that desecration of Jewish graves has been reported, with similar reports emerging in recent months. Emmanuel Macron promised on Tuesday that his government would take strong action against anti-Semitism and hate crimes.