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Israel's decision to invite Jordan Bardella, president of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), to the Ministry of Diaspora's conference on antisemitism, slated for March 26-27, 2025, is a diplomatic move that warrants careful consideration. Although Israel has the right to engage with any political entity it deems strategically relevant, it is essential to examine how this decision may affect French Jewry and broader efforts to combat antisemitism.
The RN has undergone a process of political transformation. Its leadership wishes to distance it from its historical associations with antisemitism and seeks to rebrand it as a mainstream party. Indeed, Bardella has adopted a strong pro-Israel stance, and advocates closer ties between France and Israel. He has marketed himself as a defender of Jewish communities against Islamist extremism. It may seem pragmatic for Israel to engage with political figures who support its security interests and recognize its challenges. But this carries deep implications inside France.
For decades, French Jewish institutions have viewed the RN with suspicion. The prospect of an Israeli platform for Bardella may create a sense of discomfort within the community, which has long been engaged in a delicate balancing act – firmly advocating for Israel’s security while also championing democratic values and opposing political extremism at home. This invitation could be interpreted as a shift in the traditional stance toward the RN, and raise complex questions for French Jewish leaders who have worked assiduously to maintain a clear and principled position on these issues.
Beyond the internal dynamics within the Jewish community, this development could also have broader societal repercussions. French Jews have faced rising antisemitism from multiple sources, including Islamist extremists, segments of the far left, and lingering far-right elements. Any perception, accurate or not, of a rapprochement between Israel and the National Rally could fuel antisemitic narratives that falsely depict Jews as aligned with divisive political forces in France. In a reality where antisemitic incidents are already on the rise, there is a risk that such narratives could exacerbate tensions.
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Aftermath of a car bomb explosion outside a Synagogue in France last year
(Photo: Pascal Guyot / AFP)
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At the same time, this situation reflects a wider trend in Israel’s global diplomacy – alliances are being reassessed in light of shifting geopolitical circumstances. Across Europe, political parties once considered outsiders are gaining influence, and Israel is navigating these changes by engaging with a spectrum of political actors. While this approach has its strategic rationale, it also raises thorny questions about how such moves impact Jewish communities abroad, particularly in societies already facing complex political and social pressures.
It must be acknowledged that Israel’s diplomatic decisions, especially those related to the fight against antisemitism, have ripple effects far beyond their immediate context. French Jews, who stand on the front lines of this battle every day, must now navigate the consequences of this moment. Understanding their concerns, acknowledging the historical sensitivities at play, and ensuring that efforts to combat antisemitism remain productive and unifying should be key considerations – in Israel, in France, and everywhere else.
Dr. Dov Maimon is a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), and oversees its activities in Europe. His new book, The Ukraine War: A Jewish and Israeli Perspective, has just been published by JPPI.