French Journalist Ruth Elkrief Targeted Amid Antisemitism and Islamophobia Debate

Ruth Elkrief, a Jewish French-Moroccan journalist, has been placed under police protection following an online attack by far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, sparking discussions on antisemitism and Islamophobia in France.

Ruth Elkrief, a veteran journalist with over 30 years of experience, received police protection after being attacked online by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who accused her of Islamophobia.
The attack came after Elkrief questioned Mélenchon's colleague about their party's stance on Hamas and the Israel-Hamas war, leading to a broader debate on antisemitism and Islamophobia in France.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin provided Elkrief with security, citing a surge in antisemitic incidents in France following the Israel-Hamas war.
Authorities have been on high alert for domestic attacks and have reported a three-fold increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7, including desecrated Jewish graves and attacks on Jewish individuals.
The debate highlights the complex relationship between France's large Muslim and Jewish communities, amidst a backdrop of rising antisemitism and discussions on the country's principle of secularism ('laïcité').