A crowd gathered this Monday, October 7, 2024 in Grenoble. Around 400 people gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. These attacks cost the lives of 1,200 people. Today there are 92 hostages remaining captive in the Gaza Strip.
“It is essential to be here, especially at this time,” emphasizes Sophie, a non-member of the Jewish community. She chats with Marie-Jo, also non-Jewish. “The French must stand alongside the Israelis but also alongside the Palestinians who are also victims of this war from now on.”
The presence of non-Jews affects Gabriel, 19, who is Jewish. “It’s a source of support, of inspiration, to see that we are not completely alone.” Catherine also appreciates this presence. “I am happy to see that the people of Grenoble are not against us, that there are some who come and support us.” Significant support as the number of anti-Semitic acts has exploded by 192% since October 7, 2023** and Israel’s reprisals in the Gaza Strip in particular.
“I don’t want to look down.”
Faced with this rise in anti-Semitism, the reactions of Grenoble Jews differ. “I don’t want to look down.”says Catherine. She always goes out with her Star of David pendant around her neck. “I haven’t changed anything about my habits and I don’t see why I would, I’m not hurting anyone! I remain what I have always been: I am French, born in Grenoble, of Jewish faith, I have lived my whole life perfectly free, I don’t want to start today not to be.” For his part, Moses no longer goes out into the street with his kippah. He only wears it for services: “When I leave the synagogue, I take off my yarmulke out of caution. I don’t want to attract people’s attention.”
