disturbing article

[Anne]

Laurel, I very honestly tell you that there is no racism against Jews apart from the exeptions that I (and the article's writer) already mentionned, but then, as per Joan's point, I am not Jewish so maybe there are things that I don't see .

So my suggestion is that you PM to Phread : since Shoesy says that she is Jewish and since she has been living in Paris for many many years, SHE will be able to tell you about this . She recently said that she is moving home right now, but send her a PM and refer her to this thread, she will eventually log in when she is settled in her new appartment . I think that it will be interesting for everyone here to read her opinion about this .

[amy321]

Laurel, if it's of any comfort, my fiance, who is Jewish, has been living and working in Paris since June (I''m in Paris myself now!) He is rather non-observant (exceot for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) and has had no problems other than some persistent Lubavitchers who've been trying to bring him into the fold.

[chefhat]

Hi, I just want to respond to this and assure you there is NO blatant anti-semitism here in Paris !!! I live and work here in Paris, I have a store with a huge window and there is a mezzuzah right at the door. I put out my adorable doggie displays here at Mon Bon Chien for Christmas and Chanukah and light the menorah in my window every night during the holidays !! People have stopped to ask about it and I do my best to explain the story in French. I post my notice when closing the store for the jewish holidays and explain why... The world all over is in a terrible crisis and there will be turmoil but France and more specifically, Paris is no better or worse. Please don't be fearful and of course, like any major city anywhere in the world, avoid questionable neighborhoods especially after dark if you are unfamiliar with them. It is easy to excite but I find it much better to educate... If you don't come to Paris to enjoy our city and you perpetuate the fear then they have won... it was the same way I felt after 9/11... So do come, come spend your money and enjoy some of the specifically "jewish" areas and musuems (Shoah, The Jewish Musuem, L'as du Falafel) but remember, there are always 2 sides to every story and there is discord everywhere in the world.
I didn't mean to get on a soapbox but I have family around the world who constantly send me these type of reports and it doesn't matter if they are liberal or ultra-orthodox they all believe France is dangerous. It is only my family in Israel who understand the conflict and the day to day reality... France made some huge mistakes in their history and as I learned as a small child, "never forget" but please forgive and create a better world.
I have met some great people here in Paris who are in their 80's and when they find out my last name or realize I am Jewish they are quick to apologize for their country from 60+ years ago or tell me some story about their families taking in others during the war...
The Wall ST Journal is a great newspaper and like other papers, reports what it sees fit...racism and discrimination exist everywhere... it was quite the joke me being an "American Female" trying to open a business here in France...
merci, a bientot, Hat

[joan1]

Chefhat, nice to have your input, and I agree bad things can and do happen anywhere, but , I think you have reassured some that in Paris at least there is not a culture of overt racism..

PS I went to the Shoah Museum ,, it was very moving, my daughter and I both had tears in our eyes when we left,, and she took a photo of a little girls worn dress, with the Star of David sewn on it,, it really made it all more real to her, to actaully see a piece of clothing that a little girl like her would have worn, plus it was shocking for me to actually see some of the propoganda posters, we all knew they existed, but to see them is shocking.

[laurel]

Dear Virtual Friends, I am so very grateful for everyone's intelligent and thoughtful comments on this subject. A brighter and more sensitive group of folks couldn't be found anywhere else on the web, I think.
Being upset and worried isn't my style, and to consider cancelling the 2009 trip of our dreams was sooo disappointing. Your input has brought me back down to earth, and really helped.
I don't have a dog, but will be sure to visit Mon Bon Chien and shop for my friends' best friends! Amy, your humor made me feel sooo much better.
Encore, merci!