Lyon, February 22, 2026 – A rabbi in Lyon has filed a complaint following an incident on Saturday evening where he was allegedly subjected to a Nazi salute and the chant ‘Free Palestine.’ The Rhône prefecture confirmed the complaint on Sunday, stating that an investigation has been opened into the matter.
Incident Unfolds Near Synagogue
According to the prefecture, the rabbi was walking with a group of children towards the synagogue for religious services before 5:45 PM in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon. As they proceeded, an individual near a restaurant reportedly made a Nazi salute and shouted ‘Free Palestine,’ as per the victim’s account relayed by a prefectural source. The rabbi further stated that ‘other individuals came out of the restaurant, and the rabbi again heard ‘Free Palestine.”
Prefecture Calls Incident ‘Serious’
The rabbi officially filed his complaint with the police on Saturday evening after 11 PM. The Rhône prefecture has since confirmed that an investigation is underway. The prefect reportedly spoke with the Grand Rabbi on Sunday morning, assuring him that she is closely monitoring the follow-up to these ‘serious acts.’
No Immediate Link to Nationalist March
At this stage, authorities have not established a link between this incident and a march held to commemorate Quentin Deranque, a young nationalist killed in Lyon by members of the ultraleft. Authorities had expressed concerns about potential clashes between the two groups over the weekend in the city. During the commemorative march, Nazi salutes were reportedly filmed, leading the prefecture to report these acts to the judiciary.
Broader Context of Antisemitism in the Region
This incident follows other recent acts of antisemitism in the Lyon area. Previously, antisemitic tags were discovered on a Jewish restaurant in Villeurbanne, near Lyon, highlighting a concerning trend in the region.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
The Rhône prefecture has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and to thoroughly investigating all reported incidents of hate speech and discrimination. The police investigation will aim to identify the individual(s) responsible for the acts and ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the event. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
