Overview
Two anti-Semitic assaults targeting Haredi Jews occurred over the weekend in Europe’s capital cities—Paris and London—prompting renewed concerns about the surge in hate crimes on the continent’s streets. While authorities investigated the incidents, Jewish communities emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and stronger preventive measures.
Paris attack: Orthodox Jew assaulted after leaving the mikveh
In the early hours of Saturday morning, around 7:30 a.m., a Haredi man near the Paris metropolitan area in Île-de-France was attacked from behind as he returned from a mikveh, still wearing a kippah. The victim reported receiving a blow to the face and described the assailant as shouting for several minutes before fleeing. He said he could not identify the attacker, but estimated that the assailant appeared to be of North African origin. To protect community safety, the victim did not disclose the precise locality within Île-de-France. The incident was reported by i24 in French, drawing attention from local Jewish communities and raising questions about street safety for religious Jews in the region.
London attack: 77-year-old rabbi assaulted outside a pharmacy
A separate incident unfolded in London’s Stamford Hill, a neighborhood known for its significant Orthodox Jewish population. A 77-year-old rabbi was attacked outside a local pharmacy. Footage published by the Shomrim, a Jewish safety patrol, shows a person hurling chicken bones at the rabbi while shouting insults. British authorities opened a formal investigation, coordinating with the Jewish community protection group to assess the threat level and identify any possible connections to broader hate crime patterns.
Context and responses
These events are part of a broader pattern of antisemitic violence reported across Europe, a trend that has intensified concerns among Jewish communities about personal safety in major cities. Organizations advocating for Jewish rights have urged authorities to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation and to ensure that hate crimes are prosecuted promptly and robustly.
What authorities and communities are saying
In Paris, local officials and police have pledged a thorough review of anti-Semitic incidents and increased patrols in areas with visible religious symbols. In London, police have described the Stamford Hill attack as a serious offense and stated that the investigation is progressing with cooperation from community security groups. Jewish safety organizations in both cities underscore the need for persistent vigilance, stronger reporting channels for victims, and greater protection for religious sites and everyday spaces where people practice their faith.
Calls for preventative action
Community leaders, civil rights advocates, and security groups are calling for enhanced street-level security, improved lighting in neighborhoods, and targeted awareness campaigns to counter prejudice. There is also a push for better data collection on antisemitic incidents across Europe to help authorities allocate resources effectively and measure progress over time.
Looking ahead
As antisemitism persists as a challenge across European cities, sustained collaboration between law enforcement, municipal authorities, and Jewish safety networks will be essential. While investigations continue in both Paris and London, communities hope that a combination of strong policing, visible security, and public education will reduce the risk of future attacks and reaffirm the right of Jewish residents to practice their faith with safety and dignity.
