A new study published Friday highlights troubling levels of antisemitism in France, with 12% of the population and one in five citizens under 35 expressing they "would be glad if Jews left France."
The findings come from a survey conducted by the French Jewish council CRIF (Conseil Représentatif des Institutions juives de France) in September.
According to the Ipsos poll, nearly half (46%) of French citizens agree with at least six out of 12 antisemitic statements presented. Among them, 23% believe that "Jews are not as French as others," with younger respondents more likely to view Jews as failing to assimilate.
The study also revealed that 52% of participants think "Jews are more loyal to Israel than to France," while 46% perceive Jews as wealthier than the average citizen. Half (49%) believe in the influence of a so-called "Jewish lobby" over political leadership, and 17% say there are too many synagogues in France.
Notably, the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party surpassed the far-right in harboring antisemitic views, with 55% of its supporters agreeing with antisemitic opinions. Additionally, 44% of LFI backers do not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.
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While 75% of French citizens expressed favorable views of Jewish people, only 26% held positive views of the Israeli government and just 21% viewed Israel favorably, down from 27% in 2020. By contrast, 40% of French citizens expressed favorable views of Palestinians, although Hamas received positive views from just 6%.
Supporters of LFI celebrate election results
(Video: Reuters)
The survey also gauged perceptions of Israelis, with half considering them brave but 56% labeling them aggressive. Only 36% believe Israelis are democratic and 29% think they want peace.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 52% affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense due to its geopolitical threats, while 87% held both sides responsible for civilian suffering in Gaza. However, 77% of respondents consider Hamas a terrorist organization.
Despite the negative findings, the study showed some hope, with 89% of French citizens agreeing that no act or statement could justify antisemitism.