France continues to march against Israel despite bans

Thu Aug 14, 2014 7:43AM

Fact Corner

• Demonstrations against Israel carry on in France, despite President Francois Hollande's open support for a temporary ban on protests against the Israeli war on Gaza. The vast support for Palestinians among the French public remains in sharp contrast to Hollande's support of Tel Aviv.

France continues to demonstrate against Israel’s latest war against the people of Gaza. Despite France’s rhetoric as a beacon of free speech and human rights, the government banned several anti-war marches last month. Thousands of protesters repeatedly defied the bans, refusing to remain silent in spite of mass arrests and police brutality. France boasts Western Europe’s largest Muslim population, and perhaps its most committed pro-Palestinian activists. That means there are many who are opposed to the Hollande administration’s staunchly pro-Israel position. The demonstration was held on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Southern France’s D-Day. Many say that in comparison, Gaza’s response to yet another devastating invasion by Israel has been exceptionally mild. France’s government has not made a decision on permanently banning the Jewish Defense League, which is outlawed in the US and Israel. Last month members of the JDL repeatedly attacked peaceful demonstrators, without being stopped by police, and made shockingly false claims that anti-war activists raided a Parisian synagogue. The attacks on Gaza have led to increased popularity for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign against Israel, as many in France continue to find ways to support the millions of Palestinians under attack.

Source