Paris plaque honoring Holocaust rescuers vandalized

A commemorative plaque in Paris honoring a couple recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations" for saving a child during the Vél' d'Hiv' Roundup has been vandalized.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced the damage on Friday via X, formerly Twitter. The plaque, located at 15 rue Louis Braille in the 12th arrondissement, was found broken into several pieces. It paid tribute to a couple and their daughter who rescued a child during the infamous roundup.

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Paris is and will remain a land of resistance against all forms of hatred, and the fight against antisemitism will always be an absolute priority of my political commitment.

"At a time when antisemitism is progressing every day in society, and on the eve of a weekend commemorating the roundup, I want to reaffirm my unwavering support for the Jewish community," Grégoire stated. He added, "Paris is and will remain a land of resistance against all forms of hatred, and the fight against antisemitism will always be an absolute priority of my political commitment."

The vandalism comes amid a reported surge in antisemitic acts in France. According to the Interior Ministry, antisemitic incidents have reached unprecedented levels in the past three years, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7. These acts constituted 53% of all anti-religious incidents, despite French Jews making up less than 1% of the population.

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At a time when antisemitism is progressing every day in society, and on the eve of a weekend commemorating the roundup, I want to reaffirm my unwavering support for the Jewish community.