France’s Jewish Security Service Warns Mali Operation “Significantly Increases” Threat Facing Jews
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by Zach Pontz
Police outside Ozar Hatorah school in France. Photo: screenshot via AFP.
The security service for Jews in France has issued a communique warning that the country’s military operation in Mali “significantly increases” the threat facing French Jews.
“The situation requires we raise the level of protection around our community and double the level of vigilance around synagogues, Jewish schools, community centers and gathering places,” said a communiqué by SPCJ.
According to the SPCJ, the incursion caused “agitation” in Islamic circles in France.
Last week French President Francois Hollande authorized airstrikes in Mali to stop a sudden southward push by three Islamist rebel groups. On Tuesday ground troops began operations within the the country.
Mali, a former French colony, was once one of Africa’s most stable countries, but has changed after a 2012 coup brought Islamists to power. A poll released Tuesday showed overwhelming support among French citizen for the military operation.
On January 5th, graffiti which read: “Child killers – Jews to the gas – long live Hitler” – was spray-painted on a building in the French capital’s 12th arrondissement.
On January 2nd, anti-Semitic slogans, death threats against Jews and a swastika were spray-painted on a building in Toulouse.
