University presidents have reported a stark rise in antisemitic incidents, doubling compared to 2023.
Since October 7, coinciding with the Hamas attack in Israel, French universities and grandes écoles have recorded 67 such acts.
Guillaume Gellé, president of the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardenne and head of France Universités, an organisation of university presidents in France, disclosed this figure based on a survey of 82 higher education and research institutions, representing 1.4 million students.
France Universités, with 116 members including 74 universities, accounts for a total of 2 million students.
This surge is contrasted with the 33 antsemitic incidents documented during the 2022-2023 academic year, as highlighted by Guillaume Gellé during a round table discussion on antisemitism in higher education at the French National Assembly.
Additionally, numerous incidents are currently “under investigation” since October 7.
Various associations, including the CRIF (Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions), have consistently raised concerns about the growing “atmospheric antisemitism” in universities, fueled by the Gaza conflict.
Following reports of a Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) member being barred from a pro-Palestinian rally at Sciences Po Paris due to being labeled “Zionist,” the CRIF has called for a parliamentary inquiry commission on antisemitism in higher education.
According to Guillaume Gellé, many of these incidents are under review. He disclosed that there were 11 referrals to disciplinary committees for antisemitic acts during the 2022-2023 academic year, with 6 already reported since October 7.
Moreover, institutions filed 4 reports to the public prosecutor under Article 40 in 2022/2023, escalating to 14 since October 7. Complaints filed by institutions for antisemitic acts numbered 5 in 2022-2023, rising to 8 since October 7.
Guillaume Gellé emphasized that university presidents are confronting expressions of hate without denial or complacency, refuting accusations of cowardice. He asserted that universities are not fostering separatism and remain aligned with the values of the Republic.
