France’s Anti-Israel Movement: An Undercover Reporter’s Investigation
- If antisemitism has long plagued France, dating back to the middle Ages, it's now metastasizing in new, alarming ways, according to a recently published book by French journalist...
- Titled "Les Nouveaux Antisémites" ("The new Antisemites"), it exposes virulent Jew-hatred endemic to many far-left organizations in France, infiltrated by Bussigny as part of a lengthy undercover investigation.
- "I saw with my own eyes to what degree Islamists, far-left so-called 'progressive' militants and feminist, LGBT and ecological activists are closely linked in their shared hatred of...
If antisemitism has long plagued France, dating back to the middle Ages, it’s now metastasizing in new, alarming ways, according to a recently published book by French journalist Nora Bussigny.
Titled “Les Nouveaux Antisémites” (“The new Antisemites”), it exposes virulent Jew-hatred endemic to many far-left organizations in France, infiltrated by Bussigny as part of a lengthy undercover investigation. Using a false identity, Bussigny uncovered pervasive antisemitism and anti-Zionism, now a common denominator among diverse groups that often disagree on other matters.
“I saw with my own eyes to what degree Islamists, far-left so-called ‘progressive’ militants and feminist, LGBT and ecological activists are closely linked in their shared hatred of Jews and Israel,” Bussigny told The Times of Israel during a recent interview on Zoom.
“It’s ironic as historically,the extreme left was fragmented. Many radical groups never got along despite dreaming of a convergence of their struggles. Before October 7, [2023,] I was convinced they could only unify around a common hatred of the police and what it symbolizes for them.But I’ve now seen how their hate for Jews, or rather Zionists, to use their term, is more effective in bringing them together in common cause.”
The Hamas-led invasion on october 7, 2023, saw some 1,200 people in southern Israel slaughtered by thousands of marauding terrorists, and 251 abducted as hostages to the Gaza Strip. The massacre touched off the two-year war against Hamas in Gaza and an unprecedented spike in global antisemitism.
“Les Nouveaux Antisémites” – whose subtitle translates in English as “An Investigation by an Infiltrator within the Ranks of the Far left” – opens with a dedication to Régine Skorka-Jacubert, a Holocaust survivor and member of the French Resistance.
“While writing the book,I was invited to the Mémorial de la Shoah in Paris,” said Bussigny,30,speaking in French. “As part of its education program, they have a terminal which scans your face and attributes to you someone deported to a Nazi concentration camp. You’re then asked to commit yourself to help preserve the person’s memory and keep their story alive. I told myself I’d dedicate my book to Régine.”
In the book’s introduction, busssigny explains her incognito endeavor, for which she risked her personal safety.
“During an entire year, I participated, with full discretion, in demonstrations, meetings, online discussions,” she writes.”I investigated university campuses. I applauded next to hysterical crowds glorifying terrorism. I took part in feminist protests and dialogued in municipal facilities with members of an organization [Samidoun] outlawed in many countries for its close, proven links to terrorism. I chanted against ‘genocide’ and for ‘Palestinian resistance’ – obviously armed ‘resistance’
“Part of this hostility is because I’m Franco-Moroccan, and some people treat me as a traitor to the Palestinian cause and an accomplice of Zionists. Those attacking me denounce me as complicit in ‘genocide,’ and some also make baseless accusations that I’m receiving money from Israel.”
The malice doesn’t stop there.
“Many bookstores in France have boycotted my book,” she added. “Some have even told customers who tried to order it that they don’t want to order this type of book.”
Despite this animus, much to the consolation of Bussigny, ”Les Nouveaux Antisémites” has been widely acclaimed in the media, is on bestseller lists in France and received the 2025 Prix Edgar Faure award for best political book of the year.
“For all the negativity,there’s been lots of positive feedback,” said Bussigny,who writes regularly for French publications Le Point,Marianne and Franc-Tireur.”Given how well the book is selling, obviously, many non-Jews are reading it, which is important. I’ve received lots of support.”
Not surprisingly, some of that support has come from France’s Jewish community, the second largest outside Israel.
“I’m quite touched by the response from French Jews,” said Bussigny, who recently spoke at a paris event hosted by CRIF, the representative body of Jewish institutions in France, which also featured Israel’s Ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka. “I’ve received so much gratitude. Many say my book has helped them see what’s behind much of the current antisemitism. They’re worried and grateful to better understand everything that’s at stake for them.”
“They’re happy I’m not Jewish,” said Bussigny, noting that part of the reaction surprised her.
“At frist,I didn’t understand this. I was a bit embarrassed to be invited to speak about antisemitism because I’m not Jewish and I don’t experiance antisemitism,” she said. “I’d ask them, isn’t it better to give the floor to someone who’s directly affected by it? And they’d say to me, ‘No, on the contrary.'”
Mixing with militants
Table of Contents
For the book, Bussigny interviewed more than 100 people, Jewish and non-Jewish, from hardcore militants to university students and professors to elected officials. She also visited the Free University of Brussels and Columbia University in New York.
Yonah Bussigny’s Investigation into Antisemitism and Islamist Networks in France
Yonah Bussigny, a french investigative journalist, is conducting a high-profile investigation into the intersection of antisemitism and Islamist networks within French society, raising concerns about the vulnerability of French institutions and the rise of extremist ideologies. Her work focuses on identifying individuals and organizations fostering anti-Jewish sentiment and building alliances with political figures.
The Scope of Bussigny’s Investigation
Bussigny’s investigation centers on the strategies employed by Islamist movements in France to promote their ideology and build relationships with politicians at both the national and local levels. She publicly details troubling developments and identifies specific individuals she believes pose a threat to France’s future. Her approach involves meticulous documentation and direct engagement with government officials.
In October 2023, Bussigny testified before the National Assembly’s commission of inquiry into islamist movements in France, detailing her findings. She chose to testify publicly, foregoing the option of a closed-door session, to ensure openness and accountability. The commission was established to investigate Islamist movements supporting terrorism and promoting Islamist ideology.
Condemnation of antisemitism and Engagement with Government
Bussigny consistently and publicly condemns antisemitism as a danger to French society. She actively engages with government ministers and parliamentarians to share her investigation’s findings and discuss the implications for national security. This proactive engagement demonstrates her commitment to addressing the issue at the highest levels of government.
For example, bussigny has repeatedly spoken at conferences and given media interviews, outlining the specific tactics used by extremist groups to spread antisemitic propaganda and recruit followers. She has also provided detailed reports to the French Ministry of the Interior, offering insights into the organizational structures and funding sources of these networks.A report from the French government’s Service-Public.fr details the government’s efforts to combat radicalization, which aligns with the concerns raised by Bussigny’s investigation.
Focus on Political Relationships
A key aspect of Bussigny’s investigation is the documented strategy of Islamist movements to cultivate relationships with national and local politicians. This tactic aims to gain influence within the political system and advance their agenda. She identifies specific instances where politicians have engaged with individuals or organizations linked to extremist ideologies.
While specific names and details are often kept confidential to protect sources and ongoing investigations, Bussigny’s testimony to the National Assembly highlighted the concerning trend of political actors normalizing relationships with groups known to promote antisemitism. The Vie publique website, a resource for French public life, provides information on the roles and responsibilities of French parliamentarians, offering context to Bussigny’s concerns about political engagement with extremist groups.