Three years after the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023 in Israel, a solemn tribute was held in Nice. In front of the memorial dedicated to victims at Castle Hill, representatives of the State, local elected officials and members of the Jewish community gathered. Together, they recalled the importance of remembrance, while affirming their determination to firmly confront the rise of antisemitism.

On October 7, 2023, more than 1,200 people, including 51 French citizens, lost their lives in a violent terrorist attack carried out by Hamas, described by experts as the worst pogrom (massacre directed against an ethnic or religious minority, editor’s note) since the Holocaust. That day, 251 people were also taken hostage. Three years later, under light rain and a gray sky, emotions remain raw at Castle Hill, where a memorial has been installed to never forget. “It’s already been three years and it feels like it was just yesterday”, expresses Jérôme Culioli.

During this commemorative ceremony, the speeches showed that the pain remains present, but that the determination to live in peace is stronger than anything.

For Jérôme Culioli, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) South-East Corsica, this date recalls a profound trauma for the Jewish community. He evoked the shock felt that morning, but also the courage of families and the relief of seeing the last hostages freed a year earlier. Despite the sadness of the events, Jérôme Culioli was keen to convey a message of hope for the future. “In this dilemma between the sadness of remembrance and the joy of celebration, it will always be joy and life that prevail.”

The city’s support and message of hope

The mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, also shared his memory of the sites of the tragedy, where he had gone shortly after the attacks. He emphasized the strength of the Jewish people in the face of barbarism and recalled Nice’s role in this work of remembrance.

“Today, the sky is dark, but who better than the Jews to know that a sun hides even behind the thickest clouds. That sun is the sun of peace.”

Beyond the tribute to the victims, the speeches extensively addressed the issue of antisemitism in France. For three years, acts and insults have targeted many citizens because of their religion. Speakers condemned the traps of hatred that sometimes tries to hide behind political discourse. Jean-Marie Girier, prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes insisted on the necessity of opening our eyes to this antisemitism, whether direct or more subtle.

“Antisemitism does not become acceptable under the guise of intellectual debate. Hatred in a suit or in a keffiyeh is still hatred.” He also firmly condemned the idea that French Jewish citizens should justify or explain themselves regarding the Middle East situation in order to have the right to live safely in their own country.

Faced with the concerns of many families, the authorities made a point of reassuring the population. The protection of schools, places of worship and gatherings remains an absolute priority for law enforcement, police and military deployed in the field. The prefect concluded the ceremony by recalling that the protection of every citizen is a fundamental duty for the country: “When a citizen can no longer pray or learn safely, it is the entire Republic that is struck. You are not a tolerated community, the Republic is you.”

Three years after the tragedy, the city of Nice has thus reaffirmed its support for the victims and its commitment to the values of freedom, security and fraternity.