Zarka called the act “one of the most shocking events,” noting that Halimi was tortured for days before being killed. “His mother planted the tree in his memory. Despite it being just a tree, people came and cut it down. These individuals want to erase all memory of Jewish life in France,” he said.
Zarka emphasized that French authorities are making significant efforts to combat antisemitism. “The Ministry of the Interior and the police are doing crucial work, but the sheer volume of attacks—assaults, vandalism, and other antisemitic incidents—is overwhelming. Jews are hiding their identity; they do not display the Star of David, wear a kippah, or mark their homes out of fear for their safety,” he said.
