isolating themselves as opposed to
embracing each other.
We can legitimately hope that the
antisemitism sometimes called
historical, going back many centuries,
has been nearly eradicated even
though the utmost caution is
required. But there is a new form of
antisemitism, sometimes taking as a
pretext the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict or drawing support from
abusive forms of Islamic fanaticism,
old or new.
This new antisemitism has been the
driver of recent terrorist attacks
that traumatized France. Belgium
and Denmark experienced the same
barbarity. The French government,
and more broadly French citizens,
expressed their horror and outrage
in the face of these crimes. We have
provided our Jewish compatriots with
wide-ranging protection, expressed
our support, made clear that they are
an invaluable part of France.
These measures are indispensable. I
strongly believe that it is in schools
and through educating our children
that we can fight this battle and
provide future generations with
the keys to establishing a peaceful
and diverse society comprised of
communities that support each other.
A society that the founding fathers
of Europe fought so hard to build, by
breaking away from its tragic past.
The Holocaust, correctly writes
the great historian Francois Furet,
“has gained even more depth as the
negative companion to the democratic
conscience, and the incarnation of
the Evil to which this negation leads.”
Since antisemitism has proved a highly
adaptable virus, this calls for renewed
vigilance to be placed at the heart of
our national and European conscience.
France will not relinquish its efforts
and it will fight hatred, ignorance and
impunity using all the strengths of
the law and the penalties it provides
whenever necessary. France has
strengthened its legal arsenal and
sanctions to punish the perpetrators
of antisemitic speeches and acts.
A national plan against racism and
antisemitism provides educational and
awareness programmes for all school
children to prevent the formation of
stereotypes and prejudices and to
promote, beyond tolerance, mutual
respect and esteem.
H.E. Sylvie Bermann – 19
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