French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has ordered increased security at synagogues and Jewish schools as the Passover holiday approaches.
In a telegram sent to police prefects, Darmanin asked for “static and visible” security forces to be stationed in front of synagogues and the most “sensitive and emblematic buildings”, to be reinforced by the military’s Sentinelle mission.
The decision was made in the context of a “very high level of terrorist threat”, wrote Darmanin, and the presence of a “high level of antisemitic acts” as well as “international tensions”, including Iran’s attack on Israel.
“Static, systematic guards” will be posted in front of Jewish schools at opening and closing times, and police will regularly patrol kosher stores and other “specialised businesses”.
