Hundreds of Jewish graves vandalised in France

Hundreds of Jewish graves have been subjected to antisemitic vandalism at a cemetery in eastern France, near the border with Germany.

Just as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, said the situation was now so bad that European Jews should immigrate to Israel, the 400 graves in Sarre-Union in Alsace were desecrated with swastikas and Nazi slogans.

The headstones were kicked over and desecrated with red paint.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls tweeted that everything possible will be done to catch those responsible for such an "ignoble and anti-Semitic act, an insult to memory." He also urged the whole of France to be vigilant against such "messages of hate".

The number of anti-Semitic attacks has recently increased in France. A kosher supermarket in Paris was one of the sites attacked by Islamist gunmen in the shootings last month that left 17 people dead.

Bernard Cazeneuve, French interior minister, was visiting the site of the Copenhagen shootings when he said the country would "not tolerate this latest attack which harms the values all French people share."

He added: "This was an odious act against religious freedom and tolerance. France will not tolerate this latest attack which harms the values all French people share."

related articles
Former Chief Rabbi: British Jews fear for their safety
Former Chief Rabbi: British Jews fear for their safety

Former Chief Rabbi: British Jews fear for their safety

Lord Sacks: Religious terrorism could continue for at least \'another generation\'
Lord Sacks: Religious terrorism could continue for at least 'another generation'

Lord Sacks: Religious terrorism could continue for at least 'another generation'

News
What we don’t know about Noah’s Ark
What we don’t know about Noah’s Ark

The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most well-known Bible stories and has been retold in songs, children’s storybooks, cartoons, and films. Many people think they know the story; however, there are many things we simply do not know. This is the story …

Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes

The Chin have been badly treated throughout much of Myanmar's post-independence history.

Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'
Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'

Sir Brian Souter, the founder of Stagecoach and Megabus, has spoken candidly about the role of Christian faith in business and his view that Britain’s increasingly secular culture may be giving rise to a renewed and more authentic form of Christianity.

Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK
Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK

Faith identity and ideology "are assuming a more significant role in shaping political allegiance, civic participation, and the wider culture", a new report has found.