Macron warns of antisemitism surge amid Dreyfus commemoration
France reports highest antisemitic acts in three years amid warnings from Macron and Dreyfus's descendant.
Event / Society
Dreyfus Exoneration Commemoration
France held its first national commemoration of Alfred Dreyfus's exoneration on July 12, 2026, marking 120 years since the Court of Cassation's decision. President Macron called for vigilance against antisemitism and announced symbolic measures including relocating Dreyfus's statue and renaming a Paris square.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 12 Jul, 17:18 UTC
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What happened
Charles Dreyfus, 99-year-old grandson, expresses concern about antisemitism resurgence
Charles Dreyfus, 99 years old and grandson of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, stated with sadness his concern about the current resurgence of antisemitism while attending the commemoration ceremony at the Court of Cassation.
Statue of Alfred Dreyfus relocated to Court of Cassation in Paris
A statue of Captain Dreyfus, originally erected in the courtyard of the Military School on January 5, 1895, depicting him with a broken sword but still standing at attention, was relocated to a public square in front of the Court of Cassation in Paris, symbolizing the justice rendered in his case.
France establishes first national commemoration day for Alfred Dreyfus's exoneration
France held its first national commemoration day marking the recognition of Alfred Dreyfus's innocence, 120 years after the Court of Cassation's decision on July 12, 1906. The ceremony took place in Paris near the Court of Cassation, presided over by President Emmanuel Macron and attended by descendants of Dreyfus, state representatives, and elected officials.
Macron proposes naming plaques for 'Righteous Among the Nations' across France
President Macron called for the names of the Righteous Among the Nations to be placed on all houses, buildings, and locations where Jews were sheltered and saved from Nazi persecution. He appealed to all French municipalities to undertake this initiative to honor those who protected Jews during World War II.
Paris renames square from Maurice Barrès to Lucie Dreyfus
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced that a public square previously named after nationalist writer Maurice Barrès, a fierce critic of Alfred Dreyfus who wrote antisemitic materials, will be renamed after Lucie Dreyfus, the captain's wife who steadfastly supported his fight for justice.
President Macron calls for constant vigilance against antisemitism resurgence in France
President Emmanuel Macron called for continuous vigilance against the resurgence of antisemitism in France during the Dreyfus commemoration ceremony. He stated that antisemitism's 'old demons' have never completely disappeared from the country and warned of the current rise in antisemitic acts.
Antisemitic acts reach highest levels in three years in France
Antisemitic acts in France reached their highest numbers in the past three years, according to the Interior Ministry, providing context for the government's response and commemorative efforts.
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France commemorates Dreyfus exoneration through symbolic relocations
France commemorates Dreyfus exoneration with national holiday and symbolic public space relocations.