French Jewish children wake up to find giant swastika daubed outside their hotel

A group of French Jewish schoolchildren staying at a hotel in the small town of Trilj near Split, Croatia woke up yesterday (18 July) to a giant swastika daubed on the pavement in front of their hotel, a clear antisemitic act.

European Jewish Association (EJA) Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin said: “This will be an unforgettable holiday and experience for these children, for all the wrong reasons…a reminder that we can never become complacent or let our guard down when it comes to antisemitism.”

The Brussels based European Jewish Association was informed about the act by their representative in Croatia, Romano Bolkovic. Bolokovic contacted the offices of the prime minister, president and the ministers of foreign affairs and internal affairs respectively, as well as informing the Israeli ambassador. The police are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.

Speaking today (19 July), EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin said: “What an absolute shame. Whilst I am certain that the views of the individual and group responsible for painting a giant swastika are not representative of the vast majority of Croatians, the act and nature of this attack – because that is what it is- is still a deep cut to Jews everywhere.

“As adults we are sadly used to hate, yet we continue to do all that we can to shield our children from it. That a group of French Jewish children on holiday in Croatia have had such a vicious and visible introduction to this hate is tragic.

“Waking up to see a huge red swastika daubed outside their hotel, the symbol of pain and murder to Jews everywhere says clearly, you are not wanted here. It is the burning cross, the noose around the tree to Jews. This holiday for these children will now be an an unforgettable one, for all the wrong reasons.

“Whilst I am confident that the police will get to the bottom of this incident, and while the strong words of condemnation coming from the highest offices in Croatia are of comfort, we still have much work to do an antisemitism. This attack is a reminder that we can never afford to be complacent and let our guard down.”

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