PARIS — Authorities in France have launched a criminal investigation after five Jewish institutions in Paris were defaced with green paint overnight, in what officials are calling a targeted attack on the Jewish community.
Police discovered the vandalism early Saturday, with green paint splashed across the Shoah Memorial, a major Holocaust museum in the capital, as well as three synagogues and a Jewish restaurant in Le Marais, Paris’ historic Jewish quarter.
According to a police source, the Shoah Memorial — a solemn site commemorating the millions of Jews murdered during the Holocaust — was among the most prominent locations defaced during the incident. The paint was found smeared on the façade, sparking condemnation from local and national leaders.
The other sites included three operational synagogues and a kosher restaurant, all located within the vibrant and culturally significant Le Marais district, which has long been home to Paris’ Jewish population.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau swiftly denounced the incident in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), describing the vandalism as “despicable acts targeting the Jewish community.” He added that he was personally “disgusted” by the attack and affirmed that law enforcement would pursue those responsible with full force.
The Interior Ministry has not yet confirmed whether the acts are being treated explicitly as antisemitic hate crimes, but the coordinated nature of the defacements and the specific targeting of Jewish landmarks strongly suggest a deliberate provocation.
The attack comes amid growing concern over rising antisemitic incidents in France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish population. In recent months, Jewish institutions across the country have reported an increase in threats, graffiti, and acts of vandalism, especially amid tensions linked to international conflicts involving Israel.
France has heightened security around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers since the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks in Israel, which sparked global unrest and political protests.
While no group has claimed responsibility, investigators are reviewing security footage and eyewitness accounts as they try to establish a timeline and identify suspects.
Local Jewish leaders expressed shock and dismay at the desecration of sacred and cultural sites. The Shoah Memorial, in particular, holds deep emotional and historical significance for French Jews, as it stands as a permanent record of Nazi atrocities and French collaboration during World War II.
Community representatives have called for swift justice and increased protection for Jewish neighborhoods, especially in areas like Le Marais that serve not only as cultural hubs but also as symbols of Jewish resilience and continuity in France.
