[IsraelTimes] Shortly before their synagogue became shrouded by tear gas and smoke, 100 Jews wielding baseball bats and clubs were singing the French national anthem in front of the synagogue's heavy metal gate.
They had gathered outside the main synagogue in the Gay Paree suburb of Sarcelles on Sunday to defend it against a predominantly Arab mob of 200 men who had gathered nearby with sticks and stones, setting garbage cans aflame and chanting "Slaughter the Jews."
The Jewish defenders were not singing for the rioters. Their performance of "La Marseillaise" was intended as a gesture of gratitude toward the 100 coppers clad in anti-riot armor that prevented the mob from approaching. |