Anti-Semitism prevalent in France, poll respondents say
Photo: Avi Cohen
‘French anti-Semitism up’
Comprehensive survey undertaken in France shows an overwhelming majority admits anti-Semitism is a common phenomenon in the country; meanwhile, 76 percent say Jew-hatred on the rise
PARIS - An overwhelming majority of French survey respondents admitted anti-Semitism is a common, growing phenomenon in the country, newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday.
The disturbing survey is to be presented to France’s newly appointed Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin on Tuesday.
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The poll, comprised of 1,000 respondents, was commissioned by the Friends of Tel Aviv University in France. The results will be presented at the group’s annual luncheon at the Sorbonne, with De Villepan.
The French leader, who has already been briefed on the poll, is expected to deliver a speech on the problem of anti-Semitism and the ways of dealing with it.
About 70 percent of survey respondents admitted anti-Semitism is a either a” very prevalent” or “relatively prevalent” phenomenon in their country, marking a dramatic increase from previous polls in the ‘80s and ‘90s, when “only” about 50 percent of respondents expressed similar views.
Meanwhile, only 22 percent of respondents said anti-Semitism is rare in France.
Objection to Jewish president declines
On another front, 76 percent said anti-Semitism has increased, while only 8 percent said the phenomenon is on the decline.
Regarding “classic” anti-Semitic attitudes, 16 percent of respondents said French Jews have too much power, while 67 percent said they did not. However, 17 percent did not express an opinion on the matter.
The poll has some encouraging news, however. Only 9 percent of respondents said they would object to their children marrying Jews, compared to 37 percent who expressed a similar attitude in the ‘60s. Also, 17 percent said they would object to a Jewish president, compared to 50 percent who said the same in the ‘60s.
On another front, 26 percent of survey respondents said Jews have a “special attitude” to money, but only 4 percent said they would avoid any contact with a person just because he or she were Jewish
