Moshe Kantor
Moshe KantorFlash 90

The European Jewish Congress (EJC) called for French authorities to take stronger measures against anti-Semitism after a French Jewish family were assaulted in their home.

In the attack Thursday night, three men broke into the home of Roger Pinto, beating his son and wife. One of the attackers said, “You Jews have money,” according to the family members.

The attack took place just days after it was reported that a former principal at a preparatory school for teenagers in Marseille admitted he regularly advised Jews not to attend his institution for fear of harassment by other students.

“Unfortunately, we see these two incidents, and many others, as intertwined. Parts of French society are becoming increasingly anti-Semitic on the one hand, and this hate towards Jews is being accepted and tolerated by other parts,” EJC President Dr. Moshe Kantor said. “We call on French authorities to firmly root out societal anti-Semitism and its passive acceptance.”

Since the Hypercacher attack in January 2015 which left four dead, many French Jews have felt increasingly insecure and thousands have emigrated.

“We appreciated the important words of the French government in trying to make Jews feel safe in their country,” Kantor continued. “However, it doesn’t appear that much has changed on the ground for French Jews who are still regularly attacked.”

“If in a society where free education as a basic right for all citizens is being denied some Jews because of safety matters it is clear that the central principles of the Republic is failing them.”