Protests begin in Paris against a pro-Israel event organized by far-right groups

In Paris, protests were provoked before a gala in support of Israel, organized by far-right figures. AP reports this. The event, designed to raise funds for the Israeli military, was attended by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has caused discontent in the EU with his anti-Palestinian statements. Smotrich was expected to attend a gala event on Wednesday called “Israel Forever,” organized by the association of the same name.

After days of criticism of the event, Smotrich's office confirmed on Wednesday that the minister would not travel to Paris to attend. However, Smotrich's invitation drew strong criticism from local associations, trade unions and left-wing political parties, leading to two protests in the French capital.

Several hundred protesters marched through central Paris on Wednesday evening, denouncing the event as a “festival of hatred and shame.” The march was largely peaceful, but some demonstrators smashed the windows of a McDonald's located along the route.

A separate group, including Jewish left-wing organizations opposed to racism and anti-Semitism, gathered at the Arc de Triomphe, chanting slogans against the gala and Smotrich. French authorities defended the event, with Paris police chief Laurent Nunez saying the gala did not pose “any serious threat to public order.”

As you know, on November 14, a football match between the national teams of France and Israel will take place in Paris, and therefore they plan to attract 4 thousand police officers and 1.6 thousand stadium employees to ensure security.