A kosher restaurant in Villeurbanne, near Lyon, was vandalized, highlighting rising tensions amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The incident occurred on the night of Monday to Tuesday, with the facade of the restaurant, O'Laffa, covered in red paint and marked with the slogan 'Free Gaza'. This act of vandalism not only damaged the property but also sent shockwaves through the local Jewish community, which is one of the largest in France.
Cindy Fèvre, the manager of O'Laffa, expressed her dismay over the incident, stating that such acts reflect 'a very deep hatred'. She emphasized the inclusive nature of her restaurant, which welcomes everyone, including her Muslim employee. The emotional toll of the vandalism has left her questioning whether to continue her business in the wake of such violence.
The municipality of Villeurbanne has condemned the attack, with Mayor Cédric Van Styvendael asserting that there is no justification for anti-Semitism. He visited the restaurant to show support and reiterated the importance of peace and security for all communities. The mayor also addressed the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages while rejecting any competition of suffering between communities. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as local authorities remain vigilant against the potential spillover of international conflicts into their communities.
