The recent gang rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl in the city of Courbevoie, France has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage from all sides of the political spectrum. The case, which was published last night, has been condemned as a “heinous act” by Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.
According to reports, three children aged 12 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of raping the girl on anti-Semitic grounds. The girl came with her parents to the police in Au-des-Sains district and claimed that she was raped in an abandoned hangar. She said that before the rape, the three beat her and teased her because of her Jewishness.
The boys have admitted to their actions and are now being held in custody while awaiting trial for charges of rape under aggravated circumstances, sexual assault under aggravated circumstances and possibly threatening to kill. One of the accused confessed to the act.
The shocking case has come against the backdrop of several events that have led to increased tension between Israelis and Palestinians, including a ban on Israeli participation in the “Eurosatory” arms exhibition last week. Jordan Bardella, who serves as president of extreme right-wing party National Union (of Le Pen) has spoken out about his regrets over the French government’s decision not to participate in Eurosatory exhibition as he believes it is normal for France to have security partnerships with Israel. Le Pen herself has also commented on this incident saying that it is an example of how Jews are stigmatized by extremist left groups for months.
Rabbi Chaim Cressier, chief rabbi for France and senior members of Conference Rabbis Europe responded strongly to this incident stating that every case is a rape regardless its background but it’s particularly shocking because girl is born Jewish which reminds us how Jews were persecuted just because we belong to different religion. They believe that extremist left party currently contesting elections in France is directly responsible for this situation and they urge politicians worldwide understand every word coming out their mouth can harm citizens just because they belong different faction
