SWC COMMENDS FRENCH AUTHORITIES FOR CANCELLING MARCH AGAINST THE 'JUDAIZATION OF JERUSALEM'

Paris,

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre commended French authorities for their decision to cancel a march against the 'Judaization of Jerusalem' which was scheduled to take place in the Paris suburb of Argenteuil, Val d'Oise.

A letter to French Interior Minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie, by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre's Director for International Relations, Dr Shimon Samuels, warned of the danger of a "a mass demonstration, under the slogan 'For the Liberation of Jerusalem and against its Judaization - Yom Al Quds' [Jerusalem Day]."

Samuels stressed that "the march, organized, inter alia, by extreme left and Islamist groups - and advertised on their websites - would have passed a synagogue on the final Sabbath of the Tabernacles Holy Days."

The Centre had urged that the demonstration be banned "due to the risk of violence to the many Jewish worshippers and to the general public".

"Among the organizers are those who clearly seek a provocation which must be stopped to ensure public order," Samuels added.

For further information, please contact Shimon Samuels at +33.609.77.01.58

Press release and letter of protest to Mr Georges Mothron, Mayor of Argenteuil, France

Response of the Minister (French original) This response to the Centre's letter was received by special delivery within hours.

Response of the Minister (English translation)