Associations and unions denounce the upcoming holding of a gala in Paris with a far-right Israeli minister who, during a previous visit to France, had notably denied the existence of Palestinians. Organized on November 13 by the Israel is forever association, “this gala of hatred and shame must not take place”demand France Palestine Solidarité, the MRAP, the LDH, the FIDH, the CGT, the FSU and Solidaires in a joint press release released on Thursday.
The gala is presented by its organizers as “the mobilization of French-speaking Zionist forces in the service of the power and history of Israel”. The organizations particularly denounce the announced presence of the far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich, who, according to them, embodies “the figure of the most fanatical religious Zionism” but also “racism and hatred”.
France denounced in March 2023 the comments «irresponsible» of this Israeli finance minister who denied the existence of Palestinians as individuals and as a people during an evening organized by a small radical Zionist group in Paris. At the end of October, French diplomacy said “shocked” by calls to recolonize Gaza made by Israeli ministers, including Mr. Smotrich.
A rally is planned for Thursday evening in Paris, Place du Trocadéro, at the call of many left-wing parties and organizations, such as La France insoumise, against the holding of this gala.
