A new survey commissioned by the Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France (CRIF) and conducted by IFOP indicates that a clear majority of French citizens reject cultural boycotts targeting artists linked to Israel, amid wider concerns about rising tensions and antisemitism.
Carried out on 18–19 June among a representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18 and over, the poll highlights strong public support for the principle that culture and the performing arts should remain separate from political disputes.
According to the findings, 71% of respondents believe that the cultural and entertainment sectors should not be involved in political campaigning or ideological struggles. An identical proportion of those surveyed also consider that boycotting Israeli artists contributes to increasing tensions and fuels antisemitism.
The survey further reveals widespread opposition to campaigns targeting French artists because of their perceived support for Israel. Around 75% of respondents said such boycotts are unjustified. However, the data also shows notable political and generational divides: 71% of supporters of La France Insoumise (LFI), as well as 54% of respondents aged 18 to 24, view such boycott calls as legitimate when directed at French artists perceived as supportive of Israel.
In relation to Israeli artists, 20% of those surveyed consider demonstrations outside venues where they perform to be acceptable. This figure rises significantly to 53% among LFI supporters. More controversially, 11% of respondents believe that physical obstruction of Israeli artists to prevent performances can be justified, a view shared by 31% of LFI supporters.
The poll also finds that 80% of French citizens do not believe that boycotting Israeli artists contributes to advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
For CRIF, the results reflect a broad rejection of cultural boycotts, while also exposing clear political and generational divisions within French society. The organisation argues that pressure campaigns against artists contribute to a climate of tension that extends beyond the immediate context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
