WJC condemns attack on Jewish girl in France, urges European leaders to act to protect communities

NEW YORK - The World Jewish Congress is extremely concerned by the attack carried out Monday against a 20-year-old woman in Sarcelle, France, which is being treated by police as an antisemitic hate crime.

“The World Jewish Congress stands with our community in France in deploring this vicious act of hatred against an innocent woman, whose only crime was being Jewish,” said WJC CEO and Vice President Robert Singer in response to the attack, in which the assailants allegedly shouted ‘so you are afraid, dirty Jew,’ as they violently assaulted her.
 
“It is inconceivable that the Jewish community in France, or elsewhere, should have to brace themselves each day against potential threats, or have to live in fear or trepidation simply because of their identity,” said Singer. “The European Union’s recent survey, finding that 40 percent of European Jews are worried about being physically attacked, should serve as a serious impetus to authorities across the continent to follow through with their declaration to upgrade the security of Jewish community and ensure their safety and well-being.”
 
“The WJC will continue to fight against all manifestations of antisemitism across the globe, and we offer our full support to our communities in these concerning and uncertain times,” Singer said.