World Jewish Congress unequivocally condemns antisemitic hijacking of anti-racism protests in Paris

The World Jewish Congress stands with its affiliate, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), in firmly and unequivocally condemning the despicable outbursts of antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments expressed over the weekend at anti-racism protests in Paris, in which demonstrators could be heard shouting ‘dirty Jews’ and derogatory slogans blaming Israel for the racial tensions in the United States. 
 
It is beyond appalling that these protesters would dare to exploit a platform of opposition to all forms of racism and fascism by blatantly demeaning and demonizing both the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Such violent and incendiary incitement directly subverts and weakens the critical calls for justice and civil rights that are being sounded across the globe and engender a renewed sense of uncertainty and concern among Jewish communities both in France and elsewhere in Europe. 
 
We stand with the CRIF in declaring that such expressions of hatred must never be tolerated on any level. The very principle of anti-racism includes a commitment to combating hatred against all peoples, including Jews, in a united quest for equality and coexistence. The overt antisemitism that has hijacked social demonstrations on both the right and the left in recent months must be brought to a halt. The WJC calls on all proponents of democracy and tolerance to condemn such manifestations and ensure that Jews and Jewish communities, alongside all other citizens groups and individuals, are granted the respect and security that they deserve.