Anxiety is more and more tangible in the streets of Sarcelles (Val-d’Oise), as the Israeli army’s offensive in Gaza takes shape. If many residents of “Little Jerusalem” refuse to give in to fear and continue to live normally, others fear an importation of the conflict.
The rate of absenteeism, particularly in private Jewish establishments, also says a lot about the general state of mind of the community. This Friday, October 13, there were between 10 and 15% of the usual numbers in the classrooms according to René Taieb, president of the Union of Jewish Communities of Val-d’Oise. For example, this Friday, only 44 children out of 366 were present on the benches of the Ozar Hatorah private school, where the Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin visited on Wednesday. “Today my children were at school, but if I wasn’t working, I would have kept them with me. We are all very afraid of the repercussions,” confides Léa, mother of three children aged 5, 7 and 9.
“We applauded those who came for their courage. Our only goal as teachers is to send a message of trust and avoid at all costs transmitting anxiety to children. We want them to come back as quickly as possible,” hopes a primary school teacher.
The Arras attack reinforces fears
“There have actually been fewer students in Jewish schools since the start of the week,” confirms Patrick Haddad, PS mayor of Sarcelles. It is even more notable this Friday because of a call made yesterday on WhatsApp by a Hamas leader to organize a day of rage aimed at attacking the Jewish community. » In this context, the councilor hears the parents’ concerns but he emphasizes that these threats have not been proven against Jewish schools and that everything is put in place by the police and the Prefect so that the children are safe.
According to the elected official, the terrorist attack which took place Friday morning in a school in Arras sadly reinforces the distrust of families. “Even though it was a secular school, it’s difficult not to make the connection between what happened and the current context. »
“We must not enter into the game of terror”
Instructions have also been issued by establishments to parents. “We were asked to pick up our children quickly and above all not to hang around in front of the school talking with other parents. We put them directly in the car and off we go,” explains Léa, 32 years old.
Like many, she remembers the pro-Palestinian demonstration which took place in July 2014. The city was the scene of violent riots: businesses and cars burned, mortars fired, a synagogue attacked with molotov cocktails… “2014 is proof that these events on the other side of the world have repercussions here, admits Rabbi Laurent Berros. This continues to mark the minds of our community, hence the ambient concern. »
For several days, Ouriel, 20 years old, has slept very little and analyzes everything that is happening around him. “There is not a second when we say to ourselves that we are safe. As soon as I leave my house I am in paranoia. These are permanent threats on social networks, even in public places and public transport. »
Increased surveillance
“The community is currently in a psychosis but we must not play the game of terror, while remaining vigilant,” insists Moïse Kahloun, president of the Jewish community. A significant effort is being made by the public authorities and the prefect so that everyone is protected and feels safe,” he assures. Sarcelles is one of the towns for which security measures have been reinforced: rounds of municipal police, gendarmes, mediators and sentinels have been set up around places of worship, Jewish businesses and schools.
Increased surveillance which has the merit of calming part of the population. “Of course I’m worried, but I’m not afraid. The police are extremely present, it’s reassuring,” emphasizes Yoni Haddad, also a resident of Sarcelles. “As long as we provide security and take the necessary measures such as banning demonstrations, that’s the main thing. We can’t stop living,” insists Mendel, 28 years old.
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