Macron talks about security threats and the authorities are strengthening the protection of Jewish sites

France – French President Emmanuel Macron explained yesterday, Monday, that potential security threats may force the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris next July to be moved to a closed area instead of holding it on the Seine River, while the authorities have strengthened security measures around synagogues and Jewish schools in the country.

Macron added – in an interview with two French television stations – that options for what he called the alternative plan are on the table if the government’s security assessment reveals, with the Olympic Games approaching, that it would be extremely dangerous to hold the ceremony on the Seine River as planned.

He added that the ceremony could be moved to the “Stade de France” stadium or the Trocadero Square near the Eiffel Tower, saying that the French authorities “are not naive” regarding security risks, but nevertheless he expressed his confidence that France will organize a “very large” opening ceremony for the Olympic Games. .

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said yesterday that his country would strengthen security measures around Jewish schools and synagogues, for reasons including the current tension between Israel and Iran and the approaching Jewish Passover, which begins to be celebrated on April 22nd until the 30th of the same month.

A Jewish synagogue in the city of Strasbourg, eastern France

The French Minister requested the permanent presence of the police in front of places of worship and “the most sensitive or symbolic” buildings, and attention to gatherings that include large crowds. He also requested constant guarding in front of religious schools starting today.

The French Interior Minister said the decision was taken due to the “very high level of terrorist threat,” “continuing anti-Semitic actions at a high level” and “continuing tensions at the international level, including the Iranian attack on Israel.”

It is noteworthy that France has strengthened security measures after the recent attack in a Moscow celebration hall, which resulted in about 150 deaths.