The French Minister for Higher Education Philippe Baptiste declared the need for decisive action in addressing antisemitic acts within universities, emphasising that “around fifty” such incidents have been recorded since 7 October 2023.
“I want to send a strong message on this matter. We cannot have even one student who is afraid to attend class due to fears of antisemitic threats” said Minister Philippe Baptiste.
According to figures from the ministry, a total of 360 reports have been filed concerning incidents linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
“Most of these involve pro-Palestinian actions that can escalate into public disturbances, but where antisemitic intent is not evident. When antisemitic markers are clearly identified, it amounts to approximately fifty cases,” Baptiste explained.
The minister announced plans to meet with university and school presidents next week to “assess the existing measures and explore further actions.” He remarked, “There is clearly an issue within universities, but this is a phenomenon that has intensified across France since 7 October.”
