Chief Rabbi hopes France 'crushes' Argentina in World Cup rematch

Haïm Korsia, the Chief Rabbi of France, revealed a surprising passion for football, describing the World Cup as a unifying "collective republican rite." Speaking on the Le Figaro La Nuit program, Korsia celebrated how the event brings together 80,000 people to sing the national anthem, transcending societal divisions.

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Find me places where 80,000 people together sing the Marseillaise?

"For once, it's not a segmented society," he observed, emphasizing that shared excitement over a goal can create a powerful sense of collective communion. He noted that regardless of a person's background, everyone can share in the joy of their team scoring.

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There is something of collective communion and it is important because for once it is not a segmented society.

Looking ahead to the French national team's prospects in the World Cup, Korsia expressed strong optimism. "We have the means to do it," he stated, confident in the team's ability to secure a third star. He specifically mentioned a "huge desire for revenge" against Argentina, referencing the 2022 World Cup final loss.

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Whatever the condition of the person next to you, if your team scores, you are mad with joy and you jump for joy with them.

"I hope to crush them," Korsia declared, adding that he anticipates the moral support of Egyptians and Cape Verdeans in addition to French fans.

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We have the means to do it.