The series of four attacks left 17 people dead and more wounded over the three-day period. Four of the dead were Jews, and one of the police officers was a Muslim. One of the heroes in the Hyper Cacher grocery rescue was a Muslim from Mali, as well; an employee who quickly and quietly spirited 16 customers down into the store’s refrigerator, closed the light and said, “Wait here. It will be alright. I am going back.” Alone, he served as a decoy.
The attacks have badly shaken the Jewish community, which for the first time ever was advised not to go to synagogue on Friday night but instead to stay safe at home.
Increasing anti-Semitic attacks in France have led to a corresponding rise in Jewish emigration from the country, and an increase in aliyah over the past year as well.
At present, France is home to more than five million Muslims, at least eight percent of the country’s total population. Fewer than 500,000 Jews remain in France today.