Ariel Kahana
Israel Hayom, Mar. 21, 2025
“France is, to my knowledge, the only country besides Israel that organized a national memorial for the victims of Oct. 7.”
Gabriel Attal, who until recently served as France’s prime minister, has publicly distanced himself from the anti-Israeli measures implemented by French President Emmanuel Macron throughout the war. “I didn’t understand or agree with every decision that was made,” Attal stated, positioning himself as a potential contender for the presidency of the Fifth Republic in two years’ time.
At just 36 years old, Attal serves as chairman of President Macron’s Renaissance Party and is widely recognized as a rising star in French politics. His tenure as France’s prime minister during the first nine months of 2024 made him the youngest person ever to hold this prestigious position. Born to a Jewish father, Attal now identifies as non-religious, though he continues to face antisemitic attacks due to his heritage.
Attal arrived in Israel last Wednesday for a solidarity visit that included tours of the southern and northern regions. During his stay, he met with various officials, including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and engaged with French immigrants to Israel. His itinerary also included a visit to Bethlehem on Saturday and meetings with families of hostages in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Before departing, he granted an exclusive interview to Israel Hayom. …SOURCE