NO PLACE FOR ANTISEMITISM AND HATE

PARIS, Nov 14 – French authorities are ramping up security as France hosts Israel in a Nations League match at the Stade de France, following recent attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

The game comes amid rising tensions from the Israel-Gaza conflict, and diplomatic strain between French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Around 4,000 police officers will be deployed inside the stadium, around the area, and on public transit—a security presence three to four times the usual level for such events, according to Paris police chief Laurent Nunez. Only French and Israeli flags will be allowed in the stadium, and Macron’s attendance reflects a stance of solidarity against escalating antisemitism.

While officials reaffirmed that the game would proceed as planned, turnout is expected to be low, with only 20,000 fans in the 80,000-capacity stadium. A survey by French supporters’ group Les Irreductibles Français revealed that 15% plan to boycott the event due to the Israel-Gaza war, with 30% citing security concerns.

Israeli fans in Tel Aviv airport greeted by people after arriving from Amsterdam pogrom. AP Photo:Tsafrir Abayov.

Reports of antisemitic incidents in France have risen by 284% in 2023 alone, with anti-Muslim acts also on the rise. It is feared that Islamist factions are using this climate to justify attacks on Israelis and to claim double standards in Western policies—an argument condemned as misleading and a dangerous diversion from real concerns of safety and discrimination.

“Many young people are scared to attend after seeing disturbing footage of attacks in Amsterdam,” said Aurélien Bernheïm, co-founder of the Movement for French Jews. Meanwhile, some pro-Palestinian groups argue the game should be canceled, citing perceived injustices, yet this rhetoric perceived as unconstructive and misused.

Despite the tension, some supporters remain unfazed. «I’m not worried,» said Yannick Vanhee, leader of a French supporters’ association in Dunkirk. «Authorities are taking the necessary security steps.»

Main photo: police officers are seen outside the stadium before France-Israel training. REUTERS Gonzalo Fuente.