Protests erupted in Paris against a contentious gala organised by far-right figures in support of Israel.The event intended to raise funds for the Israeli military. Called Israel is Forever, the gala was planned by an association of the same name whose stated goal is to “mobilise French-speaking Zionist forces”.
Hundreds of protesters marched through central Paris on Wednesday night, denouncing the “gala of hatred and shame”.
“Imagine if an association were hosting a gala for Hezbollah or Hamas – there’s no way the police would allow that,” said Melkir Saib, a 30-year-old protester. “The situation is just unfair.”
The demonstrations took place on the eve of a high-stakes football match between France and Israel at the Stade de France, north of Paris. The authorities in the French capital announced that more than 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for the game on Thursday.
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was among those invited, but he did not attend amid growing criticism of the event.
The invitation to Smotrich drew outrage from local associations, unions and left-wing political parties, prompting two protests in the French capital. The hardliner was denounced this week for saying he hopes the election of Donald Trump as United States president will clear the way fo …
