Student violently attacked in southern France for being Jewish

11 April 2011

In France, a 21-year-old has been beaten near his synagogue after admitting to his attackers he was Jewish. After leaving a synagogue in the southern French town of Villeurbanne, near Lyon, the victim was confronted by two men in their early 20s who insulted him and asked him if he was Jewish. When he did not deny that, the two men attacked him a pellet gun and a club, according to police reports.

The student, whose name was not released, had to spend the night in a hospital and was treated for head, stomach and arm wounds. He was released the following day.  Police are still searching for the attackers.

Marcel Amsellem, president of the Jewish umbrella group CRIF’s local chapter, said the Jewish community was seriously concerned about the "horrifying act."  The local mayor also condemned the incident.

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R. Diamant

Sun, 17 Apr 2011

Condemnation of this terrorist act is good, but it's not enough. There has to be capture and punishment of the terrorists, and French national condemnation of terroristic anti-semitism.