A Few Words on Antisemitic Crimes in France and Paris

France and the Paris region have seen an uptick in antisemitic crimes since Israel launched an offensive in Gaza in late December, with hateful acts against Muslims also on the rise in France. Some of you may be concerned that traveling to Paris is unsafe for Jewish visitors, and I felt a need to address this issue in light of the recent crimes.

First off, please be aware that the vast majority of these antisemitic acts have been perpetrated in suburbs of Paris, rather than inside the city walls. I continue to believe that Paris, a city with an extremely vibrant Jewish history and present-day community, is perfectly welcoming and safe for Jewish visitors.

Likewise, Muslim visitors to Paris should not feel apprehensive about visiting the city, despite France's sometimes-justified reputation for harboring prejudices against its own Muslim citizens.

However, taking safety precautions is always advisable, and there are places in Paris that would be best avoided for any visitor when traveling alone or at night, and where it may be best to keep a low profile. For more information, read our Paris Safety Tips.

As for those who argue that France has a general problem with antisemitism, my experience tells me otherwise. As mentioned, Paris houses one of Europe's most lively Jewish cultural scenes, counts several museums and centers dedicated to Jewish history, culture and the arts, and the French government loudly condemns antisemitic and racist acts and rhetoric.

To find out more, please consult our Guide to Paris Safety.

Also see: Travel Advisory for France (From the US State Department)