Macron Calls for Discussions on Anti-Semitism and Racism in French Schools

Following the rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl by three teenagers in the suburbs of Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the country’s Ministry of Education to hold discussions on anti-Semitism and racism in schools.

Macron’s request comes on the eve of the French parliamentary elections. The President’s office announced that on Wednesday, Macron asked Nicole Belloubet, the Minister of Education, to initiate discussions in all schools about combating anti-Semitism and racism, in order to prevent the infiltration of hate speech with serious consequences in schools.

Following the victim’s complaint, three teenagers were arrested in connection with the rape. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office said that during the gang rape, they made anti-Semitic insults to the girl.

Anti-Semitic incidents in France have increased since the start of the Gaza war on October 7 last year, and the country’s opposition parties criticize that anti-Semitism is not being taken seriously in France. With this action, Macron is trying to address this issue.