Carine:

I am glad you are calling attention to this. It really bothers me. My youngest son's girlfriend is Jewish, anti-semitism is on the rise here in the United States, and people are blind to it. I don't know if it is as bad as it is in France, but it is definitely happening over here as well. At our universities there have been attacks on Jewish students - that is the only place I have heard of it happening so far, but still it disturbs me.

Cassandra,

In France, anti-Semitism is indeed reaching alarming extents. I posted this article on June 10, the 162nd day of the year, which means there has been more than one anti-Jewish act a day so far this year.

We are starting to see anti-Semitic graffitis here and there, in the subway, in the trains, in the streets. Not to mention universities, of course.

It is indeed disturbing that anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide. What is even more disturbing is that, at least in France, but I don't think we're an exception, anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism seem to now be naturally linked, each feeding the other.

I only hope, this time, people won't wake up once it is too late.

I've wondered - only occasionally, and frankly with some petty spite of the moment at hand - just how far public attitudes in Europe are from permitting another Kristallnacht. But petulance aside, just how much of a push would it really take to get the mobs breaking American windows and "Jews not welcome" signs scattered about?

Yes, anti-semitism and anti-Americanism here are indeed linked. As long as French media and politicians can bash Americans incessantly and unjustifiably 24 hours/day without any real outcry for truth and balance, those who bash Jews will follow suit knowing that they, too, fear nothing. Especially from the law.

Bardot proves that. She is, in fact, 'successfully' prosecuted because she is bourgeoise, from a 'good' family, and if I'm not mistaken, Catholic to boot. She is not one of the 'oppressed' and therefore very prosecutable. No one will protest, you see? There is no association out there for the protection of the white Catholic bourgeois.

Too bad for Bardot that her skin isn't less white and her name not a bit more ethnic...

She is seen here as an oddball, a fool, obsessed by animal rights. In fact, I think Bardot loves her country. She was, at one time, chosen as the model for France's Marianne. Perhaps she took that 'role' to heart. She may not be an ideal spokeperson, but at least she speaks.

Justice is indeed blind.

Valerie,

She indeed took her role to heart a little too much.
Remember she's a strong supporter of Le Pen, being married herself to a FN member, I think.

Maybe she has indeed lost her trial because of her anti-muslim comments, our hate speech laws tending to ban any kind of criticism of Islam.

But as for being perceived as an oddball, check by yourself. Her "passion" for animals could easily be dubbed 'the French PETA'. Her statements often near obscenity. Here's an excerpt from her website (emphasis mine):

The inhuman being

The world has turned into a large scale slaughtering house, and those who live in it have become vulgar digestive tubes.
The systematic eradication of any moving animal-like creature has become the only solution for the numerous and varied problems that the being, that claims itself to be human, has found to solve his own misdemeanours. . .

The dictionary defines the so-called human being as merciful, charitable, helpful… but he turns into a dehumanised machine whose only goal is to draw the greatest profit from these animals that are submitted to him and cannot defend themselves against overwhelming barbarities. This atrocity swells in all fields, staining the Earth with the blood of innocent creatures, reflecting the unjustified human power against the helplessness of those that we have come to treat as cost-effective.

Large-scale genocides reflect the appalling and outrageous human irresponsibility, forever ruled by profit or headstrong traditions that have no reason to exist in the 21st century!. . .

In doubt, entire herds are ruthlessly sent to crematory ovens even though hundreds are in perfect condition! It is Auschwitz for animals!

Would it now be wiser, more humane, to anticipate and cure instead of these massacres: animal Gestapo! . . .

New horrors have been disclosed concerning poultry in Asian countries. Under the name “Asian flu”, the epidemic has only spread to a dozen cases, which for a population of over a billion doesn’t seem terrifying compared to the heat wave of the summer 2003 in France that killed 15 000 people in 2 weeks and exterminated no less than 50 million fowls in the most awful way! . . .

There's a solution! Sponsor her. For every animal you don't eat, I'm going to eat three

I really must comment here. The laws against free speech are very strong here. These laws are far from being directed only against islam0phobic or racist speech. Speech deemed anti-semitic is also fiercly attacked in the courts.
I'd be intereted to know what the figure of anti-arabic or islamophobic hate crimes is. If one reads the media, it's clear that french society has more of a problem-nowadays at least-with Islam and Arabs than with Jews.Jews look like us after all. There may well be more anti-zionism here than in other countries, but as we all know(I hope), zionism and judaism are two different concepts. I am a person of jewish origin opposed to the state of Israel.There are many more anti-zionist Jews.
As for Bardot, well she's not really worth wasting words on. if only Gainsbourg were still alive, I'm sure he'd do a good job about ridiculing her!
Oh, and another Kristallnacht?! Come to Europe instead of relying on fantasy!

There may well be more anti-zionism here than in other countries, but as we all know(I hope), zionism and judaism are two different concepts.

Indeed.

I am a person of jewish origin opposed to the state of Israel.There are many more anti-zionist Jews. As for Bardot, well she's not really worth wasting words on. if only Gainsbourg were still alive, I'm sure he'd do a good job about ridiculing her!

Again, indeed.

Oh, and another Kristallnacht?! Come to Europe instead of relying on fantasy!

Your fantasy maybe. Actually, I'm fleeing Europe. I've learned history's lessons, as far as I'm concerned. Keep on thinking it's just remarks. Physical aggressions are just remarks too. But then don't complain nobody warned you.

well that's hardly an argument, is it?

Though I'm glad to see we agree on some things!

Though I'm glad to see we agree on some things!

Do we?

Interesting comments from all.