In Paris, to counter hatred of others, Place Lucie-Dreyfus will replace Place Maurice-Barrès

Paris is set to rename Place Maurice-Barrès to Place Lucie-Dreyfus, a move intended to honor the wife of Alfred Dreyfus and confront a painful chapter of French history. The decision, championed by Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, Deputy Mayor Laurence Patrice, and Mayor of Paris's 3rd arrondissement Ariel Weil, aims to counter hatred and antisemitism.

The renaming is particularly symbolic given the historical context of the Dreyfus Affair, a notorious case of wrongful conviction fueled by antisemitism that deeply divided France at the turn of the 20th century. Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish artillery captain in the French army, was falsely accused of treason in 1894. His wife, Lucie Dreyfus, tirelessly fought for his exoneration, becoming a symbol of resilience and justice.

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Because the Dreyfus affair remains a key moment in republican history, it is necessary to pay tribute to Alfred Dreyfus this July 12.

By dedicating the square to Lucie Dreyfus, Paris officials are not only paying tribute to her unwavering commitment but also making a clear statement against the resurgence of antisemitism and xenophobia. The choice of location, formerly named after Maurice Barrès, a prominent writer and politician known for his nationalist and often antisemitic views, underscores the city's intent to reclaim public space and imbue it with values of tolerance and republicanism.

The ceremony, scheduled for July 12, coincides with the anniversary of the publication of Émile Zola's "J'Accuse...!", a pivotal article that exposed the conspiracy against Dreyfus and galvanized public opinion. This date further emphasizes the significance of the renaming as a moment to reflect on France's past and reaffirm its commitment to fighting discrimination.

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We must therefore make the choice to name a place in Paris after Lucie Dreyfus, the wife of Captain Dreyfus, who was the victim of antisemitism.