Calay News
The recent survey conducted by the Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) reveals a worrying reality: anti-Semitism remains a common experience among Jewish students in France. According to results published by the French newspaper Le Parisien on September 28, 2023, approximately nine out of ten Jewish students in the country have been victims of anti-Semitism in various forms, from stereotypes and jokes to insults and attacks.
The study, carried out by the company IFOP, was based on a representative sample of 802 people from the French student population, including 237 students of Jewish confession or culture. The results are alarming, as they indicate that universities are not immune to anti-Semitic acts, and this type of behavior persists in the educational environment.
The most common form of anti-Semitism reported by Jewish students in France is stereotyping, which accounts for an overwhelming 89% of attacks. “Innocent” jokes are also common, with 80% of Jewish students reporting experiencing them. Anti-Semitic insults affected 45% of those surveyed, while physical attacks represented 7%. Furthermore, 43% of the attacks refer to Israel, whether in the form of physical or verbal aggression.
UEJF President Samuel Lejoyeux noted that hatred of Israel is a major factor in current anti-Semitism, and French Jews are often mistakenly associated with Israeli government policy. These harmful stereotypes and rhetoric of dual loyalty persist and expose the Jewish community to unfair treatment.
The survey also revealed that 77% of Jewish students feel that anti-Semitism is more widespread than racism, sexism, or homophobia, a perception not shared by students in general. This situation highlights the need to effectively address anti-Semitism in educational institutions and in society as a whole to create a safe environment free of discrimination for all students.
