El Al halts Paris operations after its offices are vandalized with hate-filled anti-Semitic graffiti, prompting fierce condemnation from Israel.
In a chilling act of anti-Semitic vandalism, El Al’s Paris office was defaced Thursday morning with hateful graffiti and red paint—an attack that has triggered international outrage and forced the airline to suspend its staff presence in the French capital.
Spray-painted across the building in bold letters were the words “Genocide Airline”, while red paint, symbolizing blood, was splashed across the premises—an unmistakable gesture of hostility against Israel’s national carrier.
The attack occurred while the building was vacant, sparing employees from harm. Still, El Al responded swiftly, announcing that its Paris operations would be restructured for the time being. All passenger services previously handled by El Al in the city will now be redirected through alternative airlines.
In a strongly worded statement, the airline condemned the incident:
“We view this act with utmost seriousness and are cooperating with French authorities. El Al proudly displays the Israeli flag and will never be silenced by hatred.”
Israel’s Transport Minister Miri Regev didn’t mince words. Slamming the climate of tolerance toward terror in Western Europe, she warned:
“Citizens of France—wake up! Today they target El Al, tomorrow it’s Air France. Macron’s rhetoric emboldens Hamas, and this is the price of inaction. We expect swift justice.”
The attack is seen by many as part of a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic sentiment sweeping across Europe, often masked as political activism. Critics say Western leaders’ double standards on terrorism have created a permissive environment for such hate.
As investigations unfold, questions loom large over France’s ability to protect Israeli institutions and Jewish communities. The message from Israel is clear: Hate will not fly.
