More than 180,000 people across France, including 100,000 in Paris, took to the streets on Sunday to protest the alarming rise in antisemitism in the wake of Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron did not attend the protests, but he expressed his support for the cause and called on the people of France to stand up against the "unbearable resurgence of unbridled antisemitism." In a letter published in Le Parisien newspaper, Macron vowed to prosecute and punish those who commit antisemitic acts, stating that "a France where our Jewish fellow citizens are afraid is not France." He added that he would attend the protest "in my heart and spirit," emphasizing his role in building unity and standing firm on values.

The protest drew a diverse range of attendees, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, and representatives from parties across the political spectrum, including left, conservative, and centrist parties. However, the leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, chose not to attend, claiming that the march would only serve as a gathering of "friends of unconditional support for the massacre" in Gaza.

Paris authorities deployed 3,000 police troops along the protest route to ensure the safety of participants. The march was organized by the leaders of the Senate and the National Assembly in response to the alarming increase in antisemitic acts in France since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. France, with the largest Jewish population in Europe, has a painful history of collaboration with the Nazis during World War II, making antisemitic acts particularly sensitive and evoking deep-seated scars.

The march was peaceful, with no major incidents reported. It attracted 105,000 participants, according to Paris police. Among the marchers were family members of the 40 French citizens killed in the initial Hamas attack, as well as those who have gone missing or were taken hostage. The large turnout was seen as meaningful and symbolic in reassuring French Jewish communities, as stated by Patrick Klugman, a lawyer and member of the “Freethem” committee, which advocates for the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza.

Similar protests in support of Israel or Hamas have taken place around the world, including in New York City, San Francisco, London, and even New Zealand. Pro-Palestinian protests have been largely banned in France, although authorized protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza have occurred in several French cities in recent weeks.

The march against antisemitism in Paris is considered the largest gathering of its kind since a 1990 demonstration against the desecration of a Jewish cemetery. It represents a united front against antisemitism and a call for freedom and human dignity, as emphasized by former French President Francois Hollande.

The presence of Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader of the National Rally party, at the march sparked criticism, as her party has been accused of failing to distance itself from its antisemitic heritage. However, Le Pen dismissed the criticism, stating that she and her party members were "exactly where we need to be." Other politicians, including Prime Minister Borne, denounced the presence of the National Rally, highlighting their past associations with clearly antisemitic individuals.

The protest served as a powerful demonstration of solidarity and support for the French Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism. It sends a message that the majority of French citizens reject violence and hate against any religious or ethnic group. However, the question remains as to what actions will be taken beyond the protest to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in France.