In brief
This visit marks a historical first for France's far-right party, as it seeks to distance itself from past antisemitic associations while aligning with Israeli interests.
March 13, 2025, marks a significant day in French political history as Jordan Bardella, the youthful president of the National Rally, prepares to embark on a visit to Israel. This unprecedented trip serves as a powerful emblem of the party's efforts to move away from its historical legacy of antisemitism and establish a firm alliance with one of the world’s most prominent supporters of Jewish communities.In an announcement to Le Journal du Dimanche, Bardella remarked, "Antisemitism is a poison," emphasizing their commitment to fighting against this age-old scourge. His visit is set to coincide with a conference in Jerusalem centered around antisemitism at the end of March. Additionally, he plans to visit regions of Israel recently impacted by Hamas attacks, including the tragic events of October 7, 2023. "Our engagement in this combat is absolute," he added, indicating a solid stance against "Islamist ideology."Bardella's forthcoming visit is notable as it represents the first time any leader from the National Rally, formerly known as the National Front, has officially traveled to Israel. Historically, far-right elements in France, including party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, have been controversial figures in the context of Jewish relations, with the elder Le Pen calling the Holocaust a mere "detail" of history.Despite Bardella’s new approach, many French Jews remain skeptical of the National Rally’s sudden pro-Israel stance. Renowned intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy, who recently authored "Israel Alone," has already withdrawn his participation in the Jerusalem conference upon learning of Bardella's attendance, highlighting the division within the Jewish community regarding the far-right party's evolving position.While the National Rally's push against immigration—particularly aimed at Muslim communities—has garnered some support from Jewish voters, the underlying tensions between its historical anti-immigrant agenda and current pro-Israel rhetoric raise questions about the authenticity of this new political alignment. As Bardella looks to carve out a new path for his party, the eyes of France and Israel remain fixed on the impact of this landmark visit.
