A Jewish man reportedly was stabbed in front of a kosher restaurant in an eastern French city. Sammy Ghozlan, president of France’s Bureau of Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism, said the attack likely was motivated by anti-Semitism.
Relatives of the 45-year-old victim told police that the family drove to the restaurant in Villeurbanne for lunch. Family members went inside while the father looked for a parking spot. A few minutes later the father entered the restaurant covered with blood, saying he had been stabbed by a young man on a bicycle. He was rushed to the nearest hospital in Lyon. Relatives emphasized that the man was wearing a kippah.
The vigilance bureau alerted the office of the interior minister and demanded that authorities act rapidly to find the attacker.
“We would like to draw your attention to the fact that several anti-Jewish aggressions took place almost consecutively over the last few weeks, Ghozlan wrote to the authorities. “All these acts have stirred up strong emotional reactions in the Jewish community, who seem to have become a favorite target for such acts, especially during this electoral period.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
