France: Anti-Arab racism
01 January 1991
France: Anti-Arab racism
artdoc August=1992
Just before the outbreak of the Gulf war, everyday acts of racism
increased, particularly in the South of France and on the island
of Corsica. Anti-racist organisations received reports of
increased sales of guns in the Bouches du Rhone and several
incidents took place in which shots were fired at Muslim homes
and places of worship in Montpelier, Margigues and Corsica. In
Beziers, an Algerian youth was knifed in the abdomen by a gang
shouting 'Down with Saddam Hussein'. In Nice, a hostel for
immigrant workers received threats.
Tension and harassment in Corsica was so bad that more than 1,000
of the 16,000 North Africans working and living on the island
left before the end of the first week of the war (Le Monde
22.1.91), and many others from the South of France departed,
leaving a labour shortage. An IFOP opinion poll of Muslims
showed that 58% were concerned about their future in France.
In many cities, pupils were afraid to go to school and immigrant
associations met to discuss precautions. Several mosques were
attacked with petrol bombs. There was also an alarming increase
in serious attacks on Jewish targets. Muslims reported feeling
as though they were on trial, having to prove their loyalty to
French neighbours and work colleagues. The media were full of
speculation about the views of 'immigrants' on the war.
Suspicion was reinforced by widespread identity checks in the
streets, metro and public places. Peace demonstrations were
banned. Some immigrant associations were raided and at least one
rai (Algerian popular music) concert banned.
`IMMIGRANT' PERSPECTIVES
Opinions about the war among `immigrant' associations varied, but
most agreed on two issues: concern about the danger of an
increase in racism and support for the people at the receiving
end of injustice, notably the Palestinians.
A very serious development has been a split in part of the
anti-racist and immigrant youth movements between groups which
identify closely with French society and do not wish to oppose
the Socialist government (France Plus), and the slightly more
critical position of SOS-Racisme. There is also a split between
these organisations and Jewish organisations; they have never
reconciled their differences over Palestine.
At the outbreak of war, SOS-Racisme took up an anti-war stance,
taking part in a banned demonstration organised by a broad front
including MRAP (Movement Against Racism), the Communist Party,
the Greens and the 'Appel des 75' (an intellectual protest
group). This precipitated the resignation of several of the most
powerful members of SOS-Racisme's 'Committee of Honour': Pierre
Berge (director of Yves Saint Laurent and of the Bastille Opera,
one of its most important funders since last year's split from
the Socialists), the writer Bernard Henry-Levy and the editor of
Globe, Georges-Marc Benhamon. The departures signified a loss
of intellectual support.
This does not mean that SOS-Racisme has moved to the left, but
rather that it has extended its recent criticism of French
`integration' policy - as strong on racism and weak on practical
measures - into a critique of foreign policy aims. However, the
simultaneous break with the Union of Jewish Students of France
(UJEF) may have even more serious implications. It may mean that
the space for Arab-Jewish dialogue has been lost.
CARF no 2, April/May 1991
Europe EC