Protests Erupt in Paris Over Far-Right Gala Supporting Israel

In recent days, Paris has become a focal point for protests, ignited by a controversial gala organized by far-right figures in support of Israel. This event, which aimed to raise funds for the Israeli military, featured notable guests, including Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The gala, titled "Israel is Forever," was organized by an association of the same name, which claims to mobilize French-speaking Zionist forces.

The protests coincided with heightened tensions surrounding a significant soccer match at France’s national stadium, where the Israeli national team was set to compete. In anticipation of potential unrest, Paris authorities deployed over 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff to ensure public safety during the event.

Initially, Smotrich was expected to attend the gala, but following mounting criticism, his office announced that he would not travel to Paris. His invitation had already sparked outrage among local associations, unions, and left-wing political parties, leading to two separate protests in the city. Smotrich, known for his hardline stance on Israeli settlements, has faced accusations of exacerbating tensions in the West Bank. His recent comments, expressing hope that the election of Donald Trump would facilitate Israeli annexation of the West Bank, drew international condemnation and were labeled as "contrary to international law" by the French Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully. This stance reflects France's broader diplomatic efforts to mediate in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Critics of the gala also highlighted Nili Kupfer-Naouri, the president of the "Israel is Forever" association, who previously sparked outrage by claiming that "no civilian in Gaza was innocent" during the Israel-Hamas war. This statement has further fueled the protests, as many view the gala as a celebration of divisive and harmful rhetoric.

On the night of the protests, several hundred demonstrators marched through central Paris, branding the event a "gala of hatred and shame." One protester, Melkir Saib, expressed frustration, stating, "Imagine if an association were hosting a gala for Hezbollah or Hamas — there’s no way the police would allow that. The situation is just unfair." While the march remained largely peaceful, some individuals vandalized a McDonald’s along the route, highlighting the intensity of emotions surrounding the event.

Another group of protesters, including Jewish leftist organizations opposed to racism and antisemitism, gathered near the Arc de Triomphe, chanting slogans against both the gala and Smotrich. In response to the protests, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez defended the event, asserting that it posed "no major threat to public order." This statement reflects the ongoing debate about the balance between freedom of expression and public safety in the context of politically charged events.

The protests in Paris are part of a larger pattern of unrest related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has seen similar tensions flare in cities like Amsterdam. As the world watches, the situation serves as a reminder of the deep divisions that persist over this contentious issue. The events in Paris not only highlight the complexities of international relations but also underscore the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing the grievances of all parties involved.