Vandalism at the El Al Israeli Airline Office in Paris

• The El Al office in Paris reported vandalism with anti-Israeli graffiti.
• French authorities have begun an investigation into the incident.
• Anti-Semitic incidents in France have been increasing in recent years.

On Thursday, September 7, 2025, the office of the Israeli airline El Al in Paris became a target for vandals. Anti-Israeli graffiti appeared on its doors and walls, including the phrase "El Al genocide airline." The incident occurred when the office was closed, so no one was harmed.

El Al described this act as "deeply troubling" and stated that it works in close coordination with French and Israeli authorities. The company condemned all forms of racism, especially those that are rooted in hatred, and emphasized that its flights "visibly" demonstrate Israeli pride.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, qualifying it as "a degradation of buildings" with racial or ethnic overtones. The Israeli Minister of Transport, Merav Michaeli, also condemned the vandalism, attributing it to the political climate of French President Emmanuel Macron.

This incident occurred against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions that arose after Macron's commitment to recognize a Palestinian state, which provoked various reactions in Europe and opposition from Israel.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, labeling it anti-Semitic, and called on the French government to ensure the safety of El Al employees and to hold accountable those responsible. Earlier this year in Paris, there were also acts of vandalism against several Jewish sites, including the Shoah memorial and synagogues.

France has the largest Jewish population in Western Europe, with approximately 500,000 Jews, making up nearly 1% of the total population of the country. In recent years, the country has seen an increase in anti-Semitic incidents, including physical attacks, threats, vandalism, and persecution, which is causing concern among the Jewish community.

Tags: Europe/Crime