Nazi 'Jewish Identification' Marks Painted Throughout Paris Buildings

'Star of David' Found in Over 60 Locations in Paris 14th District
"An Insult to History, Democracy, and the Republic"

Graffiti of the 'Star of David' has been found on some buildings in Paris, France, raising concerns. During the Nazi Germany era, this symbol was used to identify and report Jewish residences. As the Israel-Hamas war intensifies, there are concerns that anti-Semitic sentiments may be growing even in Western societies.

According to the French daily newspaper Le Monde, on the 31st of last month (local time), around 60 Stars of David were discovered on buildings such as apartments and banks in Paris's 14th arrondissement. While the Star of David is a symbol representing Jews and Judaism, it has also been used with different meanings in Europe.

During the Nazi regime in Germany, the Star of David was marked on Jewish residences to distinguish and identify Jews. The Nazi government even ordered that the Star of David be painted on doors or worn on clothing.

'Star of David' symbol found in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, France [Image source=Yonhap News]

A resident named 'Anne' living in the 14th arrondissement of Paris posted related photos on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a "shameful morning" and criticized, "This is not just a simple mark but an insult to history, democracy, and the republic."

A building manager of one of the Paris buildings with the Star of David graffiti told the media, "Here, people lived well together without caring about others' religions. In my 23 years living in this building, this is the first time I have seen something like this."

Karine Petit, the mayor of Paris's 14th arrondissement, issued a statement emphasizing, "Such tagging reminds us of the methods used in the 1930s and during World War II when millions of Jews were massacred," and stressed the need to find and punish the perpetrators.

Following the surprise terrorist attack by the Palestinian armed group Hamas on Israel, the conflict between the two sides has escalated, leading to a surge in hate crimes targeting Jews in the US and Europe. In France, 819 anti-Semitic acts have been reported so far, with 414 arrests made. In countries like Germany, incidents of Molotov cocktails being thrown at synagogues and Jewish centers have also been reported.

In particular, in Europe, where the Muslim population is much larger than the Jewish population, Jews are reported to be relatively more exposed to higher risks.

According to the UK-based Jewish Policy Research Institute, the current Jewish population in Europe is 1.3 million, accounting for only 0.1% of the total population.

Regarding this, the US Wall Street Journal (WSJ) pointed out, "Jews who survived across Europe, where they were nearly annihilated through centuries of massacres and the Holocaust, are now suffering a double pain," adding, "Beyond the grief and shock caused by Hamas's attack on Israel, the assumption that 'at least Jews are safe in Europe' has been shattered."