[Stefan Stackhouse]

French anti-semitism has very deep roots, going back far before Hitler was even born. A good argument could be made that a century ago, France might well have been one of the most anti-semetic countries in the world. Looks like they may be coming full circle.

[eno_]

European anti-semitism never fully died. In fact, it is a bit too convenient to blame the Nazis and, more recently, the Soviets. It goes a long way toward explaining why there is this Eurotrash pro-Palestinian tendency in the face of all evidence that Israel is the closest thing to civilization in that part of the world.

[ladyjane]

France might well have been one of the most anti-semetic countries in the world.

The French don't like anybody except the French!

[quebecois]

"...a century ago, France might well have been one of the most anti-Semitic countries in the world"

Like many countries, anti-Semitism in France has waxed and waned over the years. Napoleon was very supportive of Jews, and wherever his armies conquered, the local laws and customs were changed regarding discrimination against Jews (he was especially influential in eliminating compulsory Jewish ghettos in a variety of central european cities.)

[Whilom]

Right. Anti-semitism, not wine and cheese, are at the heart of French culture. That accounts partly for such weak resistance to Hitler and to widespread collaboration with the Nazis in Vichy France. Much of this anti-semitism stemmed from peasant-conservatives, though, and was stoutly resisted by the Left. Now anti-semitism and its companion violence blossoms on the Left, with left inspiration, leadership, and participation. That's a new, and scary, spin on today's echo of Nazi jackboots in France. Camus, where are you now that France needs you?

[ohioman]

Hell, many Jewish scholars still believe that before WWII started, France was the most anti-semitic country in Europe. This is probably why they were so eager to collaborate with the Nazis.