Jewish boy held at knifepoint in antisemitic attack in Paris

A 13-year-old boy walking to a synagogue in Paris’s 18th arrondissement this week was attacked by five people, beaten, threatened with a knife, and robbed while they shouted antisemitic slurs at him.

Authorities say the attack occurred at around 7:20 p.m. on Boulevard de la Chapelle on Monday evening. The boy told investigators that he was holding his kippah in his hand rather than attract attention by wearing it, when the group of men set upon him, demanded that he hand over his coat and empty his pockets.

He was knocked to the ground, punched in the face and had a knife pressed to his neck. His airpods, shoes and coat were stolen.

The attack happened whilst the teenager was on a video call to a friend, who was later able to identify one of the attackers. As a result, an 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and taken in for questioning whilst the four others remain at large.

The prosecutor’s office has said: “the investigation is continuing into the offenses of armed robbery and armed violence, committed by a group and aggravated by discrimination, in order to identify and apprehend the other individuals involved.”

According to official figures from the French government, since 7 October 2023 the number of antisemitic incidents has tripled, alongside a rise in physical attacks against Jews and those wearing religiously identifying symbols, particularly in the Paris area.

In a statement on Twitter/X the European Jewish Congress called the brutal attack “profoundly shocking and unacceptable. Targeting a minor on his way to synagogue, accompanied by violence, threats with a knife, and antisemitic insults, represents a grave assault not only on an individual, but on the fundamental values of security, dignity and religious freedom in Europe.

“Coming only days after another knife threat against Jews in the French capital, this incident highlights the urgent necessity of decisive and sustained action. All perpetrators must be brought swiftly to justice and effective protection must be guaranteed so that Jewish children can live, learn and practice their faith without fear.”

The incident follows the targeting of a Jewish primary school in Paris on Saturday 31st January. French prosecutors are investigating a possible hate crime incident after unknown assailants smashed windows, damaged surveillance equipment and a plaque clearly identifying the school’s religious identity was removed and later found in a nearby park.