On Shabbos, Rabbi Arié Engelberg, the rabbi of Orléans, France, was brutally attacked in front of his son as he was returning from shul, as reported by French media outlets France 3 and France Bleu.
According to these reports, at around 1:30 p.m., Rabbi Engelberg was walking home from shul with his nine-year-old son when an assailant kicked, punched, and bit him on the shoulder while also verbally abusing him.
The rabbi suffered head injuries during the attack. A nearby witness captured the incident on video, which was later shared with France Bleu Orléans radio.
A report from France Bleu stated that a bystander intervened, causing the attacker to flee the scene. Rabbi Engelberg promptly filed a complaint with the local police station in Orléans.
Joëlle Gellert, president of the International League Against Racism and Antisemitism in Loiret (LICRA), expressed her deep shock, stating, “We are appalled, outraged. Racism is not an opinion but a crime.”
Eliane Klein, the president of CRIF in the central region of France, also condemned the attack, calling it “appalling.” She added, “There is currently a poisonous and clearly antisemitic atmosphere in France, but I didn’t think it would contaminate Orléans, which is a peaceful city. Until now, we had graffiti from time to time, at most. I hoped that this gangrene wouldn’t spread to Orléans. That’s why it’s all the more shocking.”
Yonathan Arfi, head of CRIF, expressed his support for Rabbi Engelberg, describing the assault as a “cowardly and violent attack in front of his nine-year-old son.”
Pascal Tebibel, vice president of the Orléans metropolitan area, also reacted strongly, stating that he was “deeply shocked by the antisemitic attack on Rabbi Arié Engelberg in Orléans.” He further wrote on X/Twitter, “Hate has no place in our society. Solidarity with the Jewish community. Let us not remain silent in the face of the intolerable.”
The public prosecutor of Orléans confirmed to France 3 Centre-Val de Loire that an investigation had been launched into the incident, specifically regarding “intentional violence committed because of the victim’s real or supposed religious affiliation.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar strongly condemned the attack, calling it “a vile and intolerable act.” He stated, “The resurgence of antisemitism in France and across Europe is not only alarming – it is a wake-up call to European governments, leaders, and civil society. Antisemitism is dangerous, and it demands an uncompromising response.”
Sa’ar continued, “There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism, and it must be fought with unwavering determination.”
In response to the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement on Sunday. He said, “The assault on Rabbi Arié Engelberg in Orléans shocks us all. I extend my full support, as well as that of the Nation, to him, his son, and all our fellow citizens of Jewish faith.”
He also remarked, “Antisemitism is a poison. We will not give in to silence or inaction.”
{Matzav.com}The post HATE: In Broad Daylight, French Rabbi Assaulted, Bitten In Front of Son On Way Back from Shul first appeared on Matzav.com.