The chairman of the supervisory board of Publicis Groupe, in a column in Le Monde, is deeply concerned about the spread of antisemitism on French national territory and calls on everyone to “face this danger head-on.”
There have been around 1,040 antisemitic acts recorded in France in one month, creating a climate of insecurity and fear. With no deaths yet, there is a fear that these movements can easily turn towards tragedy. The public authorities in the past did not want to accept the idea of a new, increasingly violent antisemitism, linked to the Middle East conflict and incited by Islamist radicals. Since President Nicolas Sarkozy, the state has taken this threat very seriously, recognizing antisemitic acts for what they are and fighting sincerely against any attack on human dignity. President Emmanuel Macron has insisted on equating “anti-Zionism” with “antisemitism.” Antisemitism is now recognized and named, unlike 20 years ago. The author implores everyone to ensure that any antisemitic act is made unacceptable, showing solidarity and condemning the abuses of Hamas. He calls on individuals to prolong the spirit of the Enlightenment and view antisemitism as a national problem. The writer is chairman of the supervisory board of Publicis Groupe and chairman of the International Board of Governors at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.
