A symbolic act of vandalism has shocked the community of Saint-Genis-Laval as the municipality announced that the olive tree planted in memory of Ilan Halimi had been sawed through during the night in the Villa Chapuis park.
The tree had been planted on 3 September to commemorate Ilan Halimi, who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in 2006 because he was Jewish. The olive tree symbolised remembrance, the fight against antisemitism, as well as peace and fraternity.
Marylène Millet, mayor of Saint-Genis-Laval, condemned the act as “completely unacceptable,” stressing that it targeted not just a tree but the memory of a victim and the values it represents.
The municipality reported that a complaint was filed on Monday morning. While the olive tree was “seriously damaged,” municipal services confirmed that it is not currently at risk of dying. Immediate protective and restorative measures have been undertaken to ensure its recovery.
In response to the vandalism, the city announced that a new olive tree will be planted. “Hatred will never silence memory,” the municipality stated, reaffirming that violence will never undermine the principles of fraternity, human dignity, and resistance upheld by the Republic. Saint-Genis-Laval, a city with a strong history of Resistance during the Second World War, emphasised its commitment to “keeping memory alive” and standing “collectively against all forms of hatred.”
The incident has provoked reactions at the national level. Laurent Nuñez, Prefect of Police in Paris, denounced the act as antisemitic, assuring that “our indignation is shared collectively” and that the determination to fight antisemitic and anti-religious acts remains “unwavering.” Authorities have pledged to take all necessary steps to identify and apprehend those responsible.
