Paris investigating anti-Semitic vandalism against synagogues and Holocaust memorial

PARIS – Authorities in Paris have launched an investigation after several Jewish sites across the capital were defaced with green paint.

Over the weekend, an unsettling incident of vandalism was uncovered in Paris. The targets of this vandalism included the Shoah Memorial, two synagogues, and a Jewish restaurant located in the Marais district, a historically significant area of the city. Additionally, a third synagogue in the 20th district was also impacted. Authorities found an open paint can near the scene, and surveillance footage from the Holocaust Memorial captured an individual in black attire spray-painting the area overnight.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the incident under the category of “damage committed on the grounds of religion.” The prosecutor’s office specifically mentioned the attacks on “three synagogues, a restaurant, and the Shoah Memorial” that occurred from Friday night into Saturday. These targeted acts have raised concerns and sparked authorities to delve deeper into the matter.

In response to these distressing events, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed strong condemnation, describing the vandalism as an affront to the Jewish community. Retailleau shared his sentiments through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), conveying his deep disapproval of the targeted acts against places of religious significance. The incident has underscored the need for solidarity and vigilance in safeguarding religious establishments from such destructive behaviors.

The acts come ahead of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. France’s interior ministry had already called for heightened security around Jewish sites this weekend due to heightened global tensions.

No suspects have been arrested, and no group has claimed responsibility.