Jewish Woman Stabbed in Lyon, France; Swastika Found on Door

(November 4, 2023 / JNS)

A 30-year-old Jewish woman was brutally attacked and stabbed twice in her home in Lyon, France on Saturday, leaving the entire community shocked and concerned. The incident took a disturbing turn when police discovered a swastika drawn on her door, indicating a possible antisemitic motive behind the attack.

The assailant, described as a masked and black-clad male, managed to escape, leaving the victim in a very serious but fortunately non-life-threatening condition. French media, citing the Daily Mail, reported that the woman’s condition remains critical.

Upon learning of the incident, Grégory Doucet, the mayor of Lyon, expressed his outrage and support for the victim on social media. In a tweet written in French, he condemned the surge of violence and extended his sympathy to the victim and her loved ones.

Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance camera footage in hopes of identifying the attacker. The victim’s home was targeted due to the presence of a mezuzah, a sacred piece of parchment containing Jewish scripture, on the doorframe. An investigating source, as reported by the Daily Mail, suggested that the attack was an antisemitic murder attempt, further substantiated by the swastika left behind by the assailant.

The Lyon public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the case, treating it as an attempted murder aggravated by the potential antisemitic motive. This incident adds to the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents in France since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed that there have been 857 reported antisemitic incidents in the country, according to the New York Post.

In response to this concerning trend, Darmanin assured the French Jewish community that the state would act decisively against any acts of violence towards them, emphasizing their right to security and protection. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has yet to comment on the attack.

The attack in Lyon comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has sparked international debates and raised tensions across the globe. France’s foreign ministry recently demanded an explanation from Israel after the French Institute in Gaza was struck, expressing astonishment and incomprehension over the incident.

The French government has voiced deep concern over the civilian casualties in Gaza and condemned attacks on humanitarian workers, United Nations sites, and media headquarters. Calling for a humanitarian truce, France urged Israel to take concrete steps to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of aid.

The European Jewish Congress condemned the attack, labeling it deeply disturbing and calling for the perpetrator to be brought to justice. The Anti-Defamation League echoed these sentiments, urging French authorities to prioritize the safety and protection of the Jewish community.

This incident is not an isolated event, as antisemitic violence has been on the rise in France. Anne-Sophie Sebban-Bécache, director of the American Jewish Committee’s Paris branch, stated that violent antisemitic attacks have increased by 8%, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger measures to address this issue.

As this shocking incident unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat faced by Jewish communities around the world. The international community must stand united in condemning all forms of antisemitism and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for all.

JNS is committed to providing factual reporting amidst the barrage of information. We rely on your support.

Already a member? Log in to stop seeing this