Islamist Antisemitism Endangers France, Macron Says

Speaking at a ceremony honoring Ilan Halimi, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that Islamist antisemitism represents one of the most dangerous sources of hatred facing France today.

He said this form of antisemitism seeks to impose fear through both physical violence and digital campaigns, warning that extremist preachers deliberately exploit online platforms to spread terror and intimidation inside France.

Macron directly connected this ideology to the October 7 attacks, describing them as a manifestation of the same hatred now attempting to take root on French soil.

Digital Space as a New Battlefield

The president said that Islamist antisemitism is increasingly reinforced online, aided by algorithms and insufficient moderation by digital platforms.

According to Macron, hate speech that once remained on society’s margins is now reaching broader audiences, harassing Jewish citizens even in their private lives and normalizing hostility.

Antisemitism as a Threat to the Republic

Macron framed the issue as a national emergency, saying France cannot tolerate the exclusion of Jewish citizens from public life.

He warned that when Jews are endangered, the Republic itself is at risk, describing Jewish presence as essential to France’s identity and democratic fabric.

Call for Stronger Political Sanctions

To counter the spread of hatred, Macron announced plans to introduce a mandatory penalty of political ineligibility for elected officials guilty of antisemitic, racist, or discriminatory acts or remarks.

He said public officials must be held to the highest standards and that intolerance from positions of power would no longer be tolerated.

A Collective Responsibility

Macron concluded by calling on all citizens, institutions, and digital platforms to confront antisemitism particularly its Islamist-driven forms before it becomes further entrenched.