In a groundbreaking move, Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, is set to make an unprecedented visit to Israel this month. This visit signifies a substantial shift in the party's approach, distancing itself from its historical ties to antisemitism. Bardella, who has taken a strong stance against Islamist movements, announced his plan to attend a conference in Jerusalem focused on combating antisemitism and visiting areas recently affected by Hamas attacks. Unlike previous leaders, including Marine Le Pen, Bardella aims to solidify the party’s alliance with Israel as part of its fight against what it describes as "Islamist ideology". Despite this shift, many French Jews remain skeptical of the party, as seen by the withdrawal of prominent Jewish intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy from the same conference upon learning of Bardella's participation. The legacy of antisemitism tied to the party’s founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, complicates this newfound embrace of Israel. As the National Rally navigates these complex waters, it seeks both support from the Jewish community and to redefine its public image.
National Rally's Leadership Shift: Heading to Israel
National Rally's Leadership Shift: Heading to Israel
Jordan Bardella, the young president of France’s National Rally, seeks to reshape the party's image by visiting Israel, signaling a new stance against its past antisemitism.
National Rally's Leadership Shift: Heading to Israel
Jordan Bardella, the young president of France’s National Rally, seeks to reshape the party's image by visiting Israel, signaling a new stance against its past antisemitism.
In a groundbreaking move, Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, is set to make an unprecedented visit to Israel this month. This visit signifies a substantial shift in the party's approach, distancing itself from its historical ties to antisemitism. Bardella, who has taken a strong stance against Islamist movements, announced his plan to attend a conference in Jerusalem focused on combating antisemitism and visiting areas recently affected by Hamas attacks. Unlike previous leaders, including Marine Le Pen, Bardella aims to solidify the party’s alliance with Israel as part of its fight against what it describes as "Islamist ideology". Despite this shift, many French Jews remain skeptical of the party, as seen by the withdrawal of prominent Jewish intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy from the same conference upon learning of Bardella's participation. The legacy of antisemitism tied to the party’s founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, complicates this newfound embrace of Israel. As the National Rally navigates these complex waters, it seeks both support from the Jewish community and to redefine its public image.
Jordan Bardella, the young president of France’s National Rally, seeks to reshape the party's image by visiting Israel, signaling a new stance against its past antisemitism.
In a groundbreaking move, Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, is set to make an unprecedented visit to Israel this month. This visit signifies a substantial shift in the party's approach, distancing itself from its historical ties to antisemitism. Bardella, who has taken a strong stance against Islamist movements, announced his plan to attend a conference in Jerusalem focused on combating antisemitism and visiting areas recently affected by Hamas attacks. Unlike previous leaders, including Marine Le Pen, Bardella aims to solidify the party’s alliance with Israel as part of its fight against what it describes as "Islamist ideology". Despite this shift, many French Jews remain skeptical of the party, as seen by the withdrawal of prominent Jewish intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy from the same conference upon learning of Bardella's participation. The legacy of antisemitism tied to the party’s founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, complicates this newfound embrace of Israel. As the National Rally navigates these complex waters, it seeks both support from the Jewish community and to redefine its public image.
