The holding of the “Israel is Forever” meeting, organized by Franco-Israeli far-right personalities, with the participation of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his extremist positions, mobilized around 150 people on Wednesday, avenue Hoche in Paris.
The Golem collective, SOS Racisme, The Warriors of Peace and the RAAR association met at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Avenue Hoche and the Champs-Elysées roundabout. All denounced the participation of Israeli Minister Smotrich, including by videoconference.
Zionism and the far right
He was initially supposed to make the trip in person before his spokesperson finally mentioned speaking remotely for the one who embodies “the figure of the most fanatical religious Zionism” but also “racism and hatred”.
France denounced in March 2023 the “irresponsible” comments of this Israeli Finance Minister who then denied the existence of Palestinians as individuals and as a people during an evening organized by the same association in Paris. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again “condemned” the minister's comments on Wednesday, deeming them “contrary to international law” and going “against efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions”.
“Cease fire now”
In addition to the slogans against Bezalel Smotrich, the demonstrators protested against the policies pursued by the Israeli government in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. “Cease fire now, free the hostages!” » chanted the demonstrators.
“It is unacceptable that Smotrich can come and make hate speeches in Paris, at the invitation of his political relays in France,” underlined Lorenzo Leschi, spokesperson for the Golem collective. “We need an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages,” added the peace activist.
This gala is also being held on the eve of the Nations League football match between France and Israel scheduled at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, considered “high risk” by the French authorities after the anti-Semitic attacks that occurred last week in the Dutch capital.
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