A plaque commemorating the Paris building where Theodor Herzl wrote “The Jewish State” was unveiled by Interior Minister Gaston Defferre, last week. Israeli and Jewish leaders, including Jewish Agency chairman Leon Dulzin and French Chief Rabbi Rene Sirat, attended the ceremony.
Defferre said “Herzl’s message has been heard. Some of his vision has become reality. Israel exists and is strong enough to safeguard its existence.”
Defferre, who also holds the senior Cabinet post of Minister of State and is known for his close ties with President Francois Mitterrand, stressed that the new Administration “will not tolerate any form of anti-Semitism or (anti-Jewish) discrimination.” He promised swift and efficient action at the slightest sign of a racist revival.
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