Jordan Bardella, the youthful leader of France’s right-wing National Rally, is set to make a significant visit to Israel later this month. His trip symbolizes the National Rally’s transformation from a party once tied to French antisemitism to an ally of the Jewish community. Bardella, who is attending a conference in Jerusalem on antisemitism, also plans to visit areas affected by the recent Hamas attacks. “Antisemitism is a poison,” Bardella told Le Journal du Dimanche, underscoring the party’s dedication to combatting this issue.
This visit marks a departure for the National Rally, as no previous leader, including its frequent presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen, has officially visited Israel. The party’s firm stance against what it terms “Islamist ideology” has fostered a burgeoning support for Israel’s fight against militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Despite this, the National Rally’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, often targeting Muslims, has created a divide among French Jews. Bernard-Henri Lévy, a prominent intellectual, expressed his opposition by withdrawing from the same conference Bardella will attend, citing concerns over Bardella’s presence.
The National Rally was once led by Jean-Marie Le Pen, whose rhetoric included dismissing the Holocaust as a “detail” of history. Marine Le Pen, his daughter, alongside Bardella, has worked to distance the party from such antisemitic sentiments, in an effort to broaden its appeal. This strategy, known as “dédiabolisation,” or the end of the party’s demonization, has led figures like Nazi hunter Serge Klarsfeld to consider voting for them over left-wing parties he perceives as antisemitic.
Tensions persist, particularly among French Jews wary of the party’s history and ongoing xenophobic attitudes. Last year, Klarsfeld had co-authored an article denouncing Marine Le Pen as a figure of racism and antisemitism. Yet, the National Rally has gained momentum, now holding 123 out of 577 seats in the French Parliament.
In recent developments, Bardella met with Israel’s Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, during a visit to the United States, where they discussed international efforts against Islamic terrorism and antisemitism. His upcoming attendance at the Jerusalem conference, alongside Marion Maréchal, a prominent far-right figure and Marine Le Pen’s niece, highlights these strengthening ties.
In his interview, Bardella attributed the rise in antisemitic incidents in France to “Islamist ideology,” exacerbated by lenient immigration policies and a leftist narrative sympathetic to Hamas. He proposes drastic immigration cuts and legislation to ban Islamist ideology in France, reminiscent of policies advocated by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Additionally, Marine Le Pen’s ongoing legal troubles over alleged embezzlement might bolster Bardella’s potential run for the presidency in 2027. Meanwhile, France’s Interior Minister has called for heightened alertness during upcoming Jewish holidays, given the elevated terrorism threat level.
This evolving narrative within French politics, touching on right-wing extremism and international relations with Israel, continues to unfold as Bardella’s visit approaches, set against the backdrop of historical antisemitism, ongoing terror threats, and a reshaping political landscape in France.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/world/europe/jordan-bardella-israel-far-right.html
Category : Right-Wing Extremism and Alt-Right,International Relations,Politics and Government,Anti-Semitism,Israel-Gaza War (2023- ),Terrorism,Holocaust and the Nazi Era,Jews and Judaism,Discrimination,Muslims and Islam,Conservative Political Action Conference,European Parliament,France Unbowed (Political Party),Hamas,National Front (France),National Rally (France),Bannon, Stephen K,Bardella, Jordan (1995- ),Hitler, Adolf,Melenchon, Jean-Luc,Trump, Donald J,France,Israel,Gaza Strip,Europe
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Publish Date: 2025-03-13 22:34:00
