French synagogues cancel prayers as Jews warned to hide identity amid riots

Some French synagogues cancelled Sabbath afternoon prayers and Jews were reportedly advised to avoid kippahs and not linger outside, as cost-of-living protests involving about 550,000 people turned violent on 17 October, with roughly 2,400 arrests. Community leaders say Palestinian flags at domestic protests heightened fears, though the Jewish security body SPCJ cautions there is no evidence that Jewish-owned property was targeted for religion. The story shows rising antisemitism and social instability in Europe pressing Jewish communities to consider whether they can live openly, a pattern that bears on Israel's role as a refuge.