The Prime Minister also declared that “the security of the State of Israel is and will remain non-negotiable”, one year to the day after the Hamas attack on the Hebrew state

Macron booed at the Crif rally: a ceremony marked by tension and strong opinions

On Monday October 7, a ceremony organized by Crif in Paris to pay tribute to the victims of the Hamas attacks in Israel was the scene of an unexpected scene: French President Emmanuel Macron was greeted by boos when his name was mentioned by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The gathering, which was intended to honor the memory of the victims, turned into a moment of palpable tension.

Booing followed by applause
As Michel Barnier spoke of Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to freeing the French-Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, some in the audience made no secret of their discontent. Whistles flew, but were quickly covered by applause, particularly when the Prime Minister assured the audience that “the President of the Republic, the government and all its members” were mobilized to protect citizens of the Jewish faith.

A reaction amplified by recent tensions
These expressions of disapproval come against a backdrop of tense relations with Israel. Over the weekend, Emmanuel Macron called for a suspension of arms deliveries to Israel and called for a ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These statements drew criticism, including from participants at the Crif ceremony. Aware of the situation, Michel Barnier tried to defuse the controversy by reiterating that “the security of the State of Israel is not and never will be negotiable”, recalling that Israel was exercising its right to self-defense in the face of Hamas attacks.

A solemn tribute and a firm condemnation of terrorism
The Prime Minister then delivered a solemn message: “In the early hours of October 7, life gave way to distress, tears, horror, carnage, emptiness and despair. We won’t forget… we’ll never forget.” Earlier in the day, Emmanuel Macron had already met the families of the French hostages, followed by Michel Barnier in the afternoon, testifying to France’s unfailing support for its nationals in the face of this tragedy.

An overture to the humanitarian situation and lasting peace
While the head of government firmly supported Israel’s right to defend itself, he also acknowledged the complexity of the situation, referring to the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, describing their situation as “painful for our conscience”. While calling for the protection of the population, he stressed the urgency of finding a two-state solution, which he sees as the “key to lasting peace in the region”.

A renewed commitment to combating anti-Semitism
In closing his speech, Michel Barnier reiterated France’s commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism, promising to “reinforce the means mobilized” to detect these acts of hatred. He entrusted this mission to Justice Minister Didier Migaud and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, while encouraging constant dialogue in schools and collaboration with associations.

Thus, despite tensions and differences of opinion, the ceremony highlighted the French government’s determination to support its fellow citizens, defend Israel’s security and advocate peace, while working to protect civilian populations