Demonstration in Paris against a gala in support of Israel organized by the far right

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A demonstration in Paris this Wednesday evening to protest against a controversial gala organized by far-right Franco-Israeli personalities.

The event, which took place in an undisclosed location, aimed to raise funds for the Jewish state.

Note that Bezalel Smotrichthe Israeli Minister of Finance, known for his extreme positions on Gaza, who was to participate in the event ended up under pressure, canceling his trip to Paris.

The French authorities refused to ban the event, claiming that it did not constitute, due to the location of its organization, a “major threat to public order”which aroused the anger of the demonstrators present and certain left-wing politicians.

“We are here, following the gala organized by “Israel is Forever”. I would rather call it “Horror Israel” because they invite people who have made comments that incite racial hatred and beyond, which dehumanize, that is to say, concretely, who compare the Palestinians to animals“. says Salim, an activist with the group BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions))

“We are really angry, because we have people who, once again, from the comfort of a gilded ballroom, are going to raise money to finance the Israeli army, which is then going to massacre children in Palestine. This is absolutely unacceptable.” states Thomas Portes MP LFI.

Paris under tension before the France-Israel football match at the Stade de France

Although the protest was relatively peaceful, some stores were vandalized.

Tension in Paris has been high for several days because this gala takes place the day before the football match between France and Israel, as part of the Nations League.

Despite the increased security measures, there are fears that the match could lead to major clashes in the capital as was the case last week in Amsterdam.

In total, 4,000 police officers will be mobilized for the match this Thursday evening, or one police officer for every five people, which is completely unusual for such a sporting event.

Many political leaders including President Emmanuel Macron have indicated that they will attend the meeting.