VIDEO: French synagogues targeted in anti-Semitic attacks
By Talia Samuelson
A video of pro-Palestine protesters screaming anti-semitic slurs and attempting to damage Jewish shops and synagogues in central Paris has surfaced on Youtube.
In attacks reminiscent of Kristallnacht, shattering glass and loud crashes are heard as incensed demonstrators set about damaging Jewish-owned shops.
In a chant seemingly directed at the Jewish community they cried “We are going to kill you all!”
The rioters, who had splintered from a demonstration calling for an Israeli ceasefire on Gaza, are seen running down Rue de la Roquette in the 11th Arrondissement on Sunday.
The road is home to the Don Isaac Abravanel Synagogue, from which the video is thought to be filmed by Jews sheltering from the attacks.
Approximately 150 people were gathered inside the shul when protesters attempted to storm it. A barrage of objects were hurled at the building, including rocks and chairs.
The clip shows objects hurtling across the scene as numerous figures – some carrying large items – rush down the street. Comments on Facebook report that protestors also charged down Boulevard Voltaire, a central Parisian road that is home to many Jewish-owned shops.
Jewish security organisations joined with French riot police to disperse the mob, with worshippers leaving safely that evening.
It is the second Parisian synagogue to come under attack in recent days. Across Paris, a firebomb was hurled at the entranceway of the Aulnay Sous Vois Synagogue during the night of 11th July.
The BNVCA (National Bureau for Vigilance against Anti-Semitism) has condemned the attacks, today calling for a ban on all pro-Palestinian rallies.
It maintained that: “the freedom to protest cannot be continued when it is putting French Jews in danger.”
Watch the video here:
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