During a memorial event at the Élysée Palace to mark the 20th anniversary of the abduction and murder of 23-year-old Ilan Halimi by a gang in a Paris suburb, French President Emmanuel Macron called for stricter measures against antisemitism in France. He expressed concern over the deteriorating situation regarding antisemitic incidents and emphasized the need for governmental and parliamentary cooperation to establish more severe penalties for such actions.

Macron highlighted the urgency of addressing antisemitism, citing that France has the largest Jewish community in Europe. He pointed out that the societal conditions surrounding antisemitism have worsened over the past two decades, despite a recent report from the Ministry of Interior indicating a 16% decrease in incidents over the past year. This discrepancy raises questions about the efficacy of existing legislation and public sentiments towards the Jewish community, especially following the surge in antisemitic incidents in light of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel in October 2023.

The president's call to action reflects a broader concern within French society about rising antisemitism and seeks to mobilize public engagement in combating this issue. Macron's remarks come at a crucial time, as France grapples with an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach that not only imposes stricter penalties but also fosters a societal commitment to tolerance and respect for diversity.