What it is about
A devastating arson attack on the Rouen Synagogue in May has left the local Jewish community grappling with continuous antisemitism and lingering trauma, even as repairs to the place of worship are undertaken.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the persistent and escalating antisemitism faced by Jewish communities in Europe. The resilience of Rouen’s Jewish residents demonstrates the importance of solidarity and the urgent need for effective measures to protect minority communities.
The Big Picture
In the early hours of a Friday in May, an individual without residency permits targeted the synagogue, envisioning the Jewish community at prayer. He set fire to the building with the aim of inflicting maximum harm. The local police intervened, preventing the attacker from escalating his violence.
The incident, though quickly contained, left profound physical and emotional scars. Despite ongoing renovations, spurred by local authorities and Jewish national bodies, the Jewish community in Rouen continues to face overt acts of antisemitism.
Community Resilience
Spearheading the resilience effort is synagogue treasurer Nisim Casanti and community president Natasha Ben Naim. They stress that their struggle is not with native residents, but with external factors fanning antisemitic sentiments.
Strengthening Protection Efforts
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, along with other officials, emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering security through improved alarm systems and cooperation between police and intelligence agencies.
Enduring Antisemitism
Daily life for Rouen’s Jewish community remains fraught with challenges. Graffiti with hostile slogans continuously reappear near the synagogue, and many residents now place their Mezuzahs inside their homes out of fear.
Cases of bullying are common; one poignant example involves Ben Naim’s 19-year-old son, who faces relentless abuse. Incidents range from vile insults to threats invoking the Holocaust, mirroring deep-seated prejudices that many choose to overlook as mere disturbances caused by unstable individuals.
Looking Forward
The current climate has driven some young members of the community to contemplate moving to Israel, sensing a lack of safety in their home country. Yet, despite the adversities, the community remains steadfast. Recently, services resumed in the synagogue courtyard as a demonstration of their defiance against rising antisemitism.
The Bottom Line
Incidents like the Rouen arson highlight the prevalent and escalating issue of antisemitism in Europe. It underscores the urgent necessity for ongoing and enhanced protective measures to safeguard the Jewish community. While the physical scars may be addressed through reconstruction, the deeper wounds of trauma and prejudice require societal change and unwavering support for lasting healing.
This story was first published on jpost.com.