France ups security at synagogues, Jewish schools after Iran’s attack on Israel

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has ordered increased security at synagogues and Jewish schools as the Passover holiday approaches, a day after Iran launched a drone and missile attack at Israel.

In a telegram sent to police prefects, Darmanin asked for “static and visible” security forces to be stationed in front of synagogues and the most “sensitive and emblematic buildings”, to be reinforced by the military's Sentinelle mission.

The decision was made in the context of a “very high level of terrorist threat”, wrote Darmanin, and the presence of a “high level of anti-Semitic acts” as well as “international tensions”, including Iran's attack on Israel on Saturday night.

As of Monday, “static, systematic guards” will be posted in front of Jewish schools at opening and closing times, and police will regularly patrol kosher stores and other “specialised businesses”.

A week ahead of the start of Passover, on 22 April, Darmanin asked for particular vigilance around locations that traditionally bring in crowds for the Jewish holiday.

(with AFP)