Europe’s far-right joins rallying cry against antisemitism, unsettling some Jews

In the city of Paris, a massive protest took place with over 100,000 participants standing against antisemitism. Among the crowd, a particular group stood out - the far-right Rassemblement National, led by Marine Le Pen. This was notable because Marine's father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, had previously made offensive remarks about the Holocaust. However, Marine has been actively working to reshape the party's image, distancing it from its controversial past. This effort seems to be paying off, as the party is gaining acceptance and could potentially increase its influence in future elections.

Marine Le Pen has been at the helm of the party since 2015, and in 2018, she rebranded it, aiming to break away from the extremist views associated with her father. Despite this, other political parties in France maintained a 'cordon sanitaire,' a symbolic barrier, to prevent any association with the Rassemblement National. The recent march against antisemitism marked a significant moment, as it was the first time Le Pen and her party were not excluded from a major public event. They participated without incident, which some believe could be a turning point for the party's acceptance in mainstream politics.

The strategy of distancing from antisemitism and aligning with pro-Israel stances is not unique to France; it's a trend seen across Europe. In Italy, Germany, and Britain, right-wing politicians have adopted similar positions to gain credibility and counteract accusations of racism. However, the Jewish community remains divided on this issue. Some prominent Jewish figures have acknowledged the shift in the far-right's stance, while others, including major Jewish organizations, remain skeptical, viewing it as a superficial change. Despite the controversy, analysts suggest that Marine Le Pen's party is successfully altering public perception, leading to a shift in the political landscape where the far-right is no longer seen as the primary threat.