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French President Emmanuel Macron convened religious leaders on Monday for discussions on tackling the rise of anti-Semitism in France. The meeting followed a massive rally in Paris the previous day, where tens of thousands gathered to express concerns about the increasing incidents targeting the Jewish community.
As France grapples with mounting tensions, particularly in the wake of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, President Macron urged religious leaders to focus on an "educational effort to increase the number of measures addressed to young people." Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the Catholic bishops' conference, shared this insight with reporters after the meeting.
Elie Korchia, president of France's Central Israelite Consistory, emphasized Macron's goal of spreading a unifying message. "The president's aim, which of course we will help pass on, is to spread this message," said Korchia. He highlighted the challenge of reaching young people who might be disengaged from traditional media, stating, "Many young people no longer necessarily read the press, no longer watch TV, sometimes they're shut up in a language of their own, without reaching out to others."
The discussions underscore the gravity of the situation in France, where both Muslim and Jewish communities coexist. Macron's call for collaborative efforts from religious leaders emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes and promoting understanding, especially during times of heightened global tensions. The meeting serves as a platform for collective action against anti-Semitism, fostering a united front in the fight against discrimination and prejudice.
