French prosecutors have opened an investigation after 150 Israeli children and teenagers, aged eight to sixteen, were denied entry to Porté-Puymorens amusement park in the Pyrenees.
The group had reserved their visit, but the park manager cited his “personal beliefs” when refusing them entry. He was arrested on Thursday and now faces charges of “religious discrimination,” which carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau (Les Républicains) described the case as “serious” and urged on BFMTV for “very strict” judicial action.
The teenagers, who were on holiday in Spain, were escorted by the gendarmerie to another location. According to the Interior Ministry, 504 antisemitic incidents were recorded in France between January and May this year—twice as many as during the same period in 2023, with officials warning the increase is “explosive.”
The case comes amid strained relations between France and Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused President Emmanuel Macron of promoting antisemitism by moving towards recognition of a Palestinian state.
