Since October 7, 2023, anti-Semitism has skyrocketed around Europe, with some of the highest increases coming from France. Other European nations like Italy and Poland also have many reports of anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish people, as well as on those visiting from Israel.
While sentiment about the Jewish people and Israel can be warped in France, The Times of Israel reports that Mayor Christian Estrosi of Nice has been the most vocal elected official in the country about the war in Gaza and the hostages’ plight, as he adorned Nice’s City Hall with Israeli flags and banners of the hostages’ faces.
“I felt mixed emotions,” says Estrosi. “A lot of joy, but also sadness. Sadness in thinking of the October 7 massacre and the ensuing two years of horror for the hostages and their families, which continues with Hamas still not having returned all the deceased hostages.”
“While I rejoiced over the incredible images of the hostages being reunited with their loved ones, I also thought of those families still waiting for their loved ones who are no longer alive,” he said.
The flags had been in place since the October 7 terror attacks, and Estrosi vowed they would remain until all hostages were freed. However, an administrative court ordered the flags removed four months ago. In response, Estrosi erected a banner with a photo of the 48 Israelis who were still being held in Gaza at the time.
“Because of the stand I take, I’m subjected to insults and attempts at intimidation, including death threats against me,” says Estrosi. “I accept this can happen when defending one’s principles and values, but I’ve always said very clearly that nothing will cause me to be intimidated. You always lose a war when you’re afraid. That’s what I say to my Jewish friends. I tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid in Nice. I’m here to protect and defend you. I refuse that one should be afraid to be Jewish in Nice.’”
In dark times when Jews face persecution, light is provided by non-Jews who step up to speak, support, and fight for the Jewish people –sometimes even risking their own safety. This echoes the actions of the Righteous Gentiles during WWII. Like them, Mayor Christian Estrosi stands as an exemplary friend and ally of Israel and the Jewish people.