Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett visited a synagogue in Paris which was attacked two months ago by pro-Palestinian protestors in the wake of Israel’s Operation Protective Edge against Hamas.
“Jews were attacked here because they’re Jews. I want you to know that Israel is with you. Israel is a rock. It exists so that no Jew would have to hide and lower his head, even here in France,” Bennett said at the synagogue of the rue de la Roquette.
The synagogue and other places of worship as well as Jewish shops have been attacked during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
‘’Currently Muslims made up 15% of France's residents, among them violent anti-Semitic groups. I have come to tell my fellow Jews that Israel, the Jewish state, is with them. We are working to help the wonderful immigrants settle more easily in Israel, but we are also committed to protecting the Jews who choose to remain behind in France,’’ the minister.
Despite the fact that France witnesses a record of aliyah (emigration) to Israel with some 5,000 new immigrants expected this year, Bennett said he wasn’t trying to persuade more Jews to join them.
“Times have changed,” he said. “Israeli officials used to come to France and elsewhere asking Jews to donate money and make aliyah, but I’m not doing that. There’s a historic change of approach. Israel doesn’t need your money. Our economy is doing well. French Jews and Israel can be partners, cooperate on various levels like education, business.”
During his visit, Bennett met with Jewish community leaders and French government officials, including Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, with whom he discussed security issues affecting French Jews.
“With this visit, we express our connection to our brothers in France and all of Europe,” said Bennett. “If others will not be here to defend you, the State of Israel will always be by the side of all Jews, whoever and wherever they are,” he added.