France commemorates the Vel d'Hiv roundup after a Paris plaque honoring rescuers is vandalized

France marked the 81st anniversary of the Vel d'Hiv roundup on Sunday, a dark chapter in its history involving the mass arrest of Jews by French police in 1942. The commemoration came amid heightened tensions following the vandalism of a plaque in Paris that honored individuals recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for saving a Jewish child during the roundup. The incident occurred just days before the official remembrance ceremony, drawing sharp condemnation from officials and highlighting the ongoing challenges of antisemitism in modern France. The Vel d'Hiv roundup, named after the Winter Velodrome where many of the arrested Jews were held before deportation, took place over two days in July 1942. More than 4,500 police officers participated in the operation, using dozens of requisitioned buses to transport detainees. The arrests continued through July 20, resulting in the deportation of 13,152 people, nearly a third of whom were children. This event stands as one of the most notorious actions taken by the French government during World War II, particularly under the collaborationist regime of Vichy France. The commemorative ceremonies included speeches, moments of silence, and reflections on the legacy of the roundup. Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo condemned the vandalism of the plaque, calling it an affront to the memory of those who rescued Jews during the crisis. She emphasized that such acts of desecration would not go unanswered and reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating antisemitism in all its forms. The plaque, located in Paris, honored a couple and their daughter who had hidden a 13-year-old Jewish boy during the roundup. Their actions led to their recognition by Israel as Righteous Among the Nations, a title awarded to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The vandalism of this memorial underscores the persistent threat of antisemitism in France, especially in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Since then, France has witnessed a notable increase in antisemitic incidents, ranging from verbal harassment to physical assaults and property damage. Historically, France's acknowledgment of its role in the Vel d'Hiv roundup was delayed for decades. It was not until 1995, 50 years after the end of World War II, that former President Jacques Chirac formally apologized for the French authorities' complicity in the deportations. This apology marked a pivotal moment in France's reckoning with its past, though the nation continues to grapple with the implications of its historical collaboration with Nazi forces. The commemoration also served as a reminder of the broader context of antisemitism in contemporary European society. While France hosts Europe's largest Jewish population, recent years have seen growing concerns among Jewish communities about safety and inclusion. The vandalism of the plaque in Paris is part of a larger pattern of antisemitic behavior that has intensified since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Authorities have been working to address these issues through increased security measures, public awareness campaigns, and legal action against perpetrators. As the nation reflects on the lessons of the Vel d'Hiv roundup, the incident of the vandalized plaque serves as a stark reminder of how easily the past can be manipulated or erased. The restoration of the plaque is underway, but the underlying challenge of confronting antisemitism remains. The government has pledged to continue its efforts to ensure that the memory of those who suffered and those who resisted remain intact, even as new threats emerge.