In brief
Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, is set to make a historic visit to Israel later this month, marking the first official trip of its kind by any leader of the party. This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in the party's efforts to distance itself from its historically antisemitic roots and align with the Jewish state against what it refers to as "Islamist ideology." Bardella, who has been vocal in his campaigns against Islamist movements and immigration, stated, “Antisemitism is a poison,” highlighting his commitment to combating it.
His upcoming journey includes participation in a Jerusalem conference focused on antisemitism and visits to areas in Israel that experienced attacks from Hamas last year. Although the National Rally has begun to embrace Israel, many French Jews remain skeptical due to the party's vehement anti-immigrant rhetoric, particularly targeting Muslims. Notably, the party’s former leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen, once made deeply controversial comments regarding the Holocaust, which continue to shadow its reputation.Prominent intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy publicly renounced his attendance at the Jerusalem conference due to Bardella's involvement, illustrating the divide within the Jewish community concerning the party's new direction. Bardella's visit comes at a crucial time for both the National Rally and France's Jewish community, reflecting ongoing tensions between traditional party ideologies and contemporary political alliances.
