Chabad Shliach Verbally Attacked

By COLlive reporter

A Chabad Shliach in southern France told COLlive.com Tuesday that he is “hoping for the good” after French police arrested 9 local people and seized guns and ammunition in anti-terrorism raids.

Rabbi Yosef Y. Labkowski, Director of Beth Habad of Marseille, said “there is extremism in the streets and the feeling is that Muslims can do whatever they feel like.”

The raids come as France and other European countries are already on a high state of alert after security warnings of a plot to attack public targets in Europe, like tourist attractions and public transportation.

Washington has warned American citizens to be vigilant when traveling in Europe but has not been more specific about threats or locations.

Mendy Rizel, a reporter for our sister-site COL.org.il who is now in France, says Jews in Marseille were glad to hear about the arrests but “the level of fear among Jews here remains high.”

He said some 70,000 Jews live in the city, many of them are associated with the 6 Chabad Houses and educational institutions.

But, prosperous Jewish life there is constantly being overshadowed by anti-Semitic activities.

Just last week, Rabbi Labkowski was verbally attacked by a local identified as a Muslim extremist. But he dismissed it as “usual behavior at this time.”

“With all the concerns, we are continuing to live our life,” Labkowski said. “My hope is that the Jewish community will not be the target of evil plots, G-d forbid.”

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