Paris, 13 April 2021

The Wiesenthal Centre expressed outrage at the antisemitic graffiti attack on the facade of the prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly known as “Science Po.”

Founded in 1872 as the Paris School of Political Studies, it was charged “to promote a new class of French politicians, in the aftermath of the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.”

The Centre’s Director for International Relations, Dr. Shimon Samuels, noted that, “in 1898, France was divided over the Dreyfus Affair, between ‘Dreyfusards’ bent on justice for the Jewish officer falsely charged with espionage and treason, while ‘anti-Dreyfusards’ were openly antisemitic.”

Yet, the School of Political Studies announced its position on the case as “neutral and apolitical.”

The Centre commended the current management of Science Po, for promptly condemning “this odious and cowardly act” and for “its immediate removal of the racist graffiti.” These consisted of a crossed-out Star of David, “Death to Israel” and “Kuffar” (meaning disbeliever or heretic in Arabic).

Samuels expressed appreciation to French Minister for Higher Education, Frédérique Vidal, for her statements, including “Hate has no place in our Republic!”

In order to more rapidly identify the perpetrators of such hate, Samuels urged that CCTV cameras be placed at all schools and universities across France.

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