The recent French general elections have sent shock waves through the French political landscape with potentially far-reaching consequences for France’s Jewish community. As the country grapples with a divided political climate, the rise of both the far-right and the far-left has raised pressing questions about the future of Jewish life in France and the country’s stance towards the Middle East.
The doubling of the Rally National’s support to 34% in two years marks a significant milestone. Once considered a social pariah due to its historical ties to anti-Semitism, the party has undergone a remarkable transformation under its new leadership. The party’s staunch support for Israel and vocal opposition to anti-Semitism represents a dramatic shift from its past positions. This change has placed French Jews in a complicated position, torn between the party’s pro-Israel stance and deep-rooted concerns about its nationalist rhetoric.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the emergence of the New Popular Front coalition poses its own challenges. Traditionally, Jewish organizations have been associated with the Socialist and Presidential parties. The Socialist party’s recent alliance with far-left forces, which has been criticized for its anti-Zionist and even anti-Semitic sentiments, is highly disturbing to many in the Jewish community and is perceived as an abandonment. The coalition’s supposed sympathy with Hamas and its use of the Palestinian flag as a rallying symbol have raised concerns about growing anti-Semitism disguised as anti-Zionism. Unfortunately for Jews, the flag that unites left-wing parties is no longer the red flag, but the Palestinian flag.
Complicated situation emerges as Macron’s party weakens
The weakening of President Macron’s centrist alliance complicates matters further. In an attempt to build a common coalition against the far-right and maintain his own centrist position, President Macron announced that he would follow the Socialist Party’s lead and join the New Popular Front, a party that 92% of French Jews consider to promote anti-Semitism. Jews who counted on the president for protection have now been abandoned by their protector. The last bastion of republicanism that was supposed to protect the Jews has collapsed. This means that, in effect, French Jews and their institutions are at risk of being victimized by all the parties that have protected them until now.
The situation is complicated by a broader geopolitical context. The events of October 7, 2023 cast a long shadow and intensified the debate around Israel, Palestine and anti-Semitism in France. The use of Gaza as a rallying cry against Jews and Israel has created an atmosphere of tension and fear within the Jewish community.
These political developments come at a time of heightened vulnerability for French Jews: Memories of the June 2023 riots, in which Jewish shops were targeted, are still fresh. With the New Popular Front threatening large-scale protests if the National Rally wins, there are legitimate concerns about the possibility of further unrest and its impact on the Jewish community.
Relations between France and Israel are also at risk: a rise in the National Rally could lead French foreign policy to adopt a more explicitly pro-Israel stance, while a rise in influence by the New Popular Front could shift France’s traditionally balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict more decisively in favor of the Palestinians.
As France enters a period of potential political instability, with great risks to its Jewish citizens and relations with Israel, the coming months will be crucial to whether France can find a way to ensure the safety and rights of its Jewish community while maintaining a constructive role in Middle East diplomacy.
Dr. Dov Maimon, Senior Fellow at the Jewish Policy Institute (JPPI), coordinates the Institute’s activities in Europe.
