An elementary school in Lyon, France, was set on fire and sprayed with antisemitic and pro-Palestinian slogans and swastikas, the local prefecture reported.

The graffiti was found in three classrooms in the Nové-Josserand school, however the fire only affected the outdoor bathrooms.

Mohamed Chihi, deputy for tranquility, safety, and security at Lyon city hall said, “Antisemitic graffiti, swastikas, attempted arson: These acts target our school and, therefore, our republic.”

“The city condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms. It will file a complaint.”

Investigation opened into the antisemitic incident

He added that an investigation had been opened to determine the motivation behind the attack, given that the school had no established connections to the Jewish community.
Antisemitic graffiti on an Australian Jewish cafe (illustrative) (credit: screenshot)
Antisemitic graffiti on an Australian Jewish cafe (illustrative) (credit: screenshot)
Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), wrote on X/Twitter that “The Palestinian cause is used as justification for burning down a school” and that the “Nazification of Israel serves as fuel for crass antisemitism.”

CRIF Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes “condemned this hateful attack in the strongest possible terms” and connected it to the vandalism of three synagogues, a restaurant, and the Shoah memorial in Paris on Friday. “In Paris, synagogues and the Shoah Memorial – desecrated. In Lyon – a school set on fire and defaced with swastikas.”

“This is not one ‘tag too many,’ nor an isolated act. It is a signal. A passage to action. Those who dream of a France without Jews are now setting fire to schools.”

Thomas Rudigoz, a former MP and metropolitan councilor, said, “Just steps from the Montluc prison memorial, a Lyon school has been targeted by swastikas, antisemitic graffiti, and a fire. Hatred is reborn where memory should protect. Shame on those who stir up hatred.”

Carole Delga, president of the Occitania Regional Council, said, “From Paris to Lyon, our republic is once again ravaged by hatred. Shame on those who minimize these facts and fuel this climate.”