Rabbi Elie Lemmel was reportedly attacked at a café in Neuilly-sur-Seine on the morning of Friday, June 6th. Identified by his religious attire, he became the target of antisemitic violence—again. His attacker, allegedly an Afghani national, was detained by onlookers.
This was the second assault on the rabbi in the same week. Previously, he was punched in the stomach by one of three drunken attackers while in Deauville, Normandy. This time his alleged assailants remain at large. Police are now investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
Rabbi Lemmel works in Jewish education and outreach across France, promoting learning and public engagement. His minor injuries, which required hospital treatment, are symptomatic of a rising tide of antisemitism in France.
