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After anti-Semitic violence in Amsterdam, Paris prepares for a football match
After anti-Semitic violence in Amsterdam, Paris increases security measures for the football match against Israel. Thousands of police and security forces are supposed to prevent riots.
After anti-Semitic violence in Amsterdam, Paris prepares for a football match
An increased security concept was implemented in Paris for the upcoming football match between France and Israel on Thursday. The city is extremely concerned after the violent incidents in Amsterdam a week ago, in which anti-Semitic attacks took place, and is leaving no stone unturned to prevent another terrible event. The event will be closely monitored with around 4,000 emergency services and 1,600 stadium employees.
Comprehensive security measures
Why is the security situation taken so seriously? After the chaotic scenes in Amsterdam, where clashes and anti-Semitic incidents took place at a game between Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv, the French capital has decided to turn the national stadium into a fortress. According to Paris police chief Laurent Nunez, around 2,500 police officers will be stationed directly at the stadium to ensure a safe event.
Background of the tensions
The tension increased in the days leading up to the game. Videos from Amsterdam showed Maccabi fans shouting anti-Arab slogans and praising military attacks on Gaza. Flags were also torn down and a taxi van vandalized during the clashes. This leads to Israel discouraging its citizens from attending the game out of concern for their safety.
Political and social reactions
France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized that the decision to hold the game was not up for debate. In his opinion, rejecting the “sowers of hate” would be tantamount to rejecting them. To make the event a safe environment, there will be a so-called “anti-terror security ring” that includes double checks and searches for spectators.
A sign of solidarity
The event has political significance beyond security. President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would attend the game - an unusual step, decided for a comparatively insignificant game in international football. The Élysée has said its visit is intended to send a message of “brotherhood and solidarity” after the anti-Semitic incidents in Amsterdam.
Tensions in football and politics
At a time when both politics and sport in France are fraught with tension, the game is also accompanied by a political context. Retailleau has already pointed out the politicized atmosphere in football and threatened explicit measures if clubs do not follow the rules.
A complex relationship to anti-Semitism
France has struggled with an increase in anti-Semitic attacks in recent years, a situation that has been exacerbated by recent events. Despite a small Jewish population of less than 1%, this group accounts for 57% of all racist and religious attacks in the country, according to Retailleau. Given these challenges, the French government wants to show at the upcoming game that it is protecting the Jewish community.
This encounter is not only a sporting event, but also an important signal to combat anti-Semitism and strengthen solidarity in French society. The coming days will show how successful the security precautions are and whether the game can go ahead without incident.