Uncovering the Roots of Antisemitism in France

France, unfortunately, hosts a significant amount of antisemitism. Antisemites often argue that Jews move to foreign lands and negatively influence them. But when did Jews first arrive in France? Surprisingly, it was long before the French themselves did.

Before becoming the modern nation of France, the land was known as Gaul, named after the Celtic tribe of the Gauls who inhabited it. Julius Caesar conquered Gaul in the 1st century CE, incorporating it into the Roman Empire. In the 5th century, Frankish tribes from Germany invaded Gaul. Not long after, these tribes converted to Christianity, forming what would become the nation of Francia, experiencing several political changes before stabilizing under the name "France."

Jews, it seems, lived in Gaul hundreds of years before the Franks with their famous French accents arrived. Jewish communities were established in Paris, Marseille, and other ancient cities long before the French.

Rabbi Akiva traveled to Gaul, presumably to strengthen the Jewish community (Rosh Hashanah 26a). Rabbi Meir expounded on the verse "and your offspring from the land of captivity" — referring to Gaul and its neighbors (as Jews were initially brought there as Roman captives). Rabbi Yohanan relayed teachings in the name of Rabbi Menachem of Gaul (Vayikra Rabbah 27), and even described the beautiful synagogue practices in Gaul. Another sage mentioned in the Talmud is Rabbi Yudan of Gaul.

Aside from Paris and Marseille, there was a significant Jewish community in Narbonne, a place referred to in French as "The Mountain of the Jews." The Jews were an integral part of the nation’s population, among them were doctors, merchants, and even warriors. However, after King Sigismund converted to Christianity in 516 CE, harsh decrees followed. Sigismund enacted discriminatory laws, creating the perception of Jews as inferior: if a Jew struck a Christian, he would lose his hand, but if a Christian struck a Jew, he was fined a mere penny, and so on. A wealthy Jew named Priscus resisted immense pressure to convert and was imprisoned, ultimately dying in turbulent circumstances.

Clashes between Jews and Christians sparked riots. Christians exerted heavy pressure for Jews to convert, and indeed, one Arorna region resident did convert. When he passed through the city wearing white garments, local Jews mocked him, with one standing on a high balcony and pouring foul water over his head. The Christians were incensed, leading to a pogrom against the Jews in the area. Many were killed, some were forced to convert, and many more fled. The oppressive measures only increased.

Even when King Gunthar ascended to the French throne, the Jewish community approached him with a respectful delegation, only to be met with cursing and immediate enactment of harsher restrictions against Jews. Conversely, Queen Brunehilde showed some leniency towards Jews, ignoring their employment of non-Jewish slaves against the law, for which she was reprimanded by Pope Gregory. There's no room for leniency towards Jews...

Over the years, while some restrictions eased, they periodically resurfaced, ensuring that antisemitism in France is an ancient issue—yet the Jewish presence in France is even older. Today, Christianity may no longer hold a central role in France, but antisemitism persists. "And you will become an object of horror among all the peoples where Hashem will drive you."