The Île-de-France region is allocating one million euros for the security of sensitive sites in response to the alarming rise of antisemitism observed throughout France, particularly in the Île-de-France territory.
The announcement was made on November 16 during a regional council session by Valérie Pécresse, the President of the Île-de-France region.
Expressing strong condemnation of the surge in antisemitism, the region aims to use the emergency fund to secure educational institutions, cultural venues, businesses, and residences of citizens facing threats due to antisemitism.
In addition to condemning antisemitism, the region also passed a motion expressing support for the State of Israel and calling for the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Photographs of these hostages will be displayed at the front of the regional headquarters in Saint-Ouen (Seine-Saint-Denis).
Valérie Pécresse emphasized the region’s commitment to protecting all citizens attacked because of their religion and declared that, in the face of terrorism, Israel has the right to defend itself against adversaries seeking its destruction.
The motion specifically calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, seen as a necessary precondition for any ceasefire. Valérie Pécresse proposed providing humanitarian aid to civilian populations, both Israeli and Palestinian, ensuring that aid reaches civilians directly and not the Hamas leadership.
The motion also advocates for a humanitarian ceasefire to protect the civilian populations of Gaza. Israel has vowed to “annihilate” Hamas since the violent attack launched by the Palestinian movement on its soil on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1200 people, predominantly civilians. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
