Since the outbreak of violence in the Middle East, French Jewish officials have recorded more than 80 acts against Jews in their own country. In Trappes, a tiny town next to Versailles, a small synagogue home to some 30 people was burned to the ground by arsonists. That is why we don't understand. It is horrible. There were some very precious things inside the synagogue.
Police believe the majority of such acts are committed by a small group of disgruntled teen-agers.
Although by the riots in the Palestinian territories clearly provoked the acts, Jewish community members suspect members of the extreme right, as well as hoodlums from the Arab community, have been involved. But Jewish leaders insist the violence is coming from a few unorganized troublemakers. Leading Islamic religious figures have been quick to join rabbis in denouncing the violence. For example, the head of the Paris mosque joined an interfaith group led by Sitruk that demanded an end to the anti-Jewish incidents. We call on all our fellow citizens to maintain a climate of serenity and peace.