Overview: Alarming signs of anti-Semitic violence in Europe
Two troubling incidents targeting Orthodox Jews over the weekend in Europe’s capitals—Paris in France and London in the United Kingdom—have intensified concerns about the safety of Jewish communities on the continent. Both events involved elderly or visibly religious Jewish individuals and were captured by local witnesses or security groups, triggering renewed calls for stronger measures to curb anti-Semitic violence.
Paris incident: Robe of safety torn from a morning routine
Early Saturday morning, around 7:30, a man described as Orthodox and wearing a kippah was assaulted in the Île-de-France region near Paris, according to his account. He said he was struck from behind with strong force as he was returning from a mikveh. The attacker allegedly shouted at him for several minutes before fleeing. The victim could not identify the assailant, but he described the assailant as appearing to be of North African origin. In an effort to protect community safety, the person did not disclose the exact neighborhood.
News outlets reported the incident, including coverage on i24 French, which helped bring attention to the case within the local Jewish community. Authorities have not publicly released a suspect description or motive, but the incident has become a focal point in discussions about rising anti-Semitism in France and across Europe.
London incident: Aged rabbi attacked near a pharmacy
In a separate case, a 77-year-old rabbi was assaulted outside a pharmacy in London’s Stamford Hill—a neighborhood with a sizable Orthodox Jewish population. Video shared by the Jewish security organization The Shomrim shows a man throwing a chicken bone at the rabbi while hurling insults. The incident has drawn condemnation from communal leaders and ahead of shifts in policing responses, with the case now under investigation by British authorities in collaboration with the local Jewish safety group.
Public officials have pledged to thoroughly investigate both incidents, stressing that any form of anti-Semitic violence will be treated with seriousness and urgency. The two cases are being considered within broader reports of antisemitic incidents across Europe, which have prompted calls for enhanced security measures and greater accountability for perpetrators.
Context: A pattern of threats to Jewish safety in European cities
These attacks come amid a wider pattern of anti-Semitic violence that has troubled major European cities in recent years. Jewish organizations warn that visible markers of Orthodox Jewish life—such as distinctive dress and practice—can unfortunately render individuals targets for verbal abuse and physical assault. Advocacy groups are urging authorities to implement preventative strategies, increase patrols in neighborhoods with high Jewish visibility, and pursue harsher penalties for hate crimes.
What comes next: policy and community responses
European rights groups and Jewish community organizations have called on police and policymakers to act decisively to prevent further escalations. Recommendations include better intelligence sharing, community liaison officers in neighborhoods with significant Orthodox populations, and public-awareness campaigns to deter anti-Semitic behavior. Community leaders emphasize resilience and unity while insisting that public spaces remain safe for all residents, regardless of faith or dress.
Bottom line
The Paris and London incidents underscore ongoing concerns about anti-Semitism in Europe. While investigations proceed, the emphasis is on safeguarding communities through solid policing, legal accountability for hate crimes, and sustained public dialogue to counter prejudice and violence.
