① Rapid increase of anti-Semitic incidents after the war
Tensions caused by the war, initiated by a surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian armed group Hamas, are spreading to Europe. The Korean Embassy in France has requested caution from tourists visiting France and residents. On May 14th, the Korean Embassy in France announced on its website, “Considering the current deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the high possibility of a terrorist attack by Islamic extremist forces, we ask our citizens residing in France to take special care of their safety.”
The embassy has asked for caution when using airports and ports and to avoid crowded places. Currently, the French government has issued the highest level of security alert.
A recent incident occurred in a high school in Arras, northeastern France, where an Islamic extremist attacked a teacher. The arrested suspect is a native of the Chechen Republic in Russia and was reportedly shouting “God is the greatest” at the time of the crime.
The suspect has been under surveillance by the French intelligence agency (DGSI) as he was suspected of having Islamic extremist tendencies and was listed as a potential threat by the government.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the school to express his condolences, condemned the incident as ‘barbaric Islamic terrorism.’ France believes this incident is related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and announced it would deploy 7,000 troops nationwide, centered around Islamic mosques.
Recently, France lit up the Eiffel Tower in Paris with the colors of the Israeli flag to express its support. France, which has the largest Jewish population among European countries and the largest Muslim population in Western Europe, has experienced extreme terrorist incidents in the past. Currently, after the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, anti-Semitic incidents are rapidly increasing in France and other European countries.
② Terror reports in French tourist spots
Terror reports have also been received in major French tourist spots, causing tourists to evacuate. On May 14th, the Louvre Museum in Paris announced it was closing its doors for security reasons. A spokesperson for the Louvre said, “We received a written message indicating a threat to the museum and its visitors,” and “We decided to close for the day while necessary checks are carried out.” The Louvre Museum added that refunds would be provided to those who had reservations.
Around 4 p.m. on the same day, a bomb threat was reported at the Palace of Versailles, a representative tourist spot in Paris. Citizens and tourists hastily evacuated the Palace of Versailles. There was also an evacuation at the Gare de Lyon, a major train station in Paris, where a suspected explosive bottle was found.
The identity of the terror threat has not been confirmed, and threats of bomb placement have occurred mainly in crowded tourist spots.
③ Protests occurring throughout Europe
Protests are currently taking place in various parts of Europe. The French government is responding strongly to crime, given the large populations of Jews and Muslims. The French Ministry of the Interior has supported local governments in banning pro-Palestinian protests and arresting those who violate this order.
President Macron warned, “Anti-Semitic acts and actions supporting terrorists will be dealt with seriously,” and added, “Let’s not add national division to international division.” The French government has strengthened security policies around more than 500 Jewish communities, but despite the ban on protests, about 3,000 people gathered in the Place de la République in Paris to hold pro-Palestinian protests.
According to the AP, there have been 100 reported anti-Semitic criminal acts across France since Hamas attacked Israel. In France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and other countries, pro-Palestinian protests have taken place. Some countries have banned pro-Palestinian protests, and Jewish schools have been closed in London, UK.
Even in the United States, there is growing concern about hate crimes against Jews. The U.S. has the second-largest Jewish community after Israel. On May 13th, protests supporting both sides continued in New York, with Palestinian and Israeli supporters confronting each other just 15 meters apart.
Due to these conflicts, schools in the New York-New Jersey area have postponed scheduled events. Columbia University in New York has restricted access to outsiders. Law enforcement is enhancing security around public facilities, related organizations, and schools as conflicts between the two sides intensify.
Major city police departments in New York, Texas, Seattle, and Los Angeles have stepped up patrols near Jewish and Muslim residential areas.
By. Kim Minjae
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