When the French Justice System Fails to Recognize Antisemitism: Dr. Debborah Abitbol’s Analysis on i24News
Abitbol & Associés Launches a Very Important Legislative Initiative to Protect Victims of Antisemitism Worldwide
Appearing on i24News, Dr. Debborah Abitbol, partner at Abitbol & Associés, addressed a judicial decision that deeply shocked the Jewish community: the acquittal of a nanny accused of poisoning a traditional Jewish family, without the criminal court recognizing the antisemitic nature of the acts.
A Staggering Decision Despite a Converging Body of Evidence
The case nevertheless contained all the elements constituting an aggravated antisemitic offense. The investigating judge himself noted the presence of “latent antisemitism” in his ruling. After initially dismissing this qualification, the prosecution ultimately aligned with this analysis, acknowledging the existence of serious indicators.
The facts are deeply disturbing: the nanny, who had gained access to the private sphere of the traditional family, was exposed to religious objects and practices within the home. She then introduced toxic substances into wine and grape juice—acts that cannot be dissociated from their symbolic significance in Judaism.
As emphasized by Maître Gozlan, the family’s lawyer, this case tragically recalls that of Sarah Halimi, in which the perpetrator also entered a Jewish home, observed religious objects, and then committed the irreversible act.
The family’s children, interviewed during the investigation, testified to the nanny’s repeated questioning about their Judaism. Her activity on social media further revealed a marked hostility toward Jews. Despite this, and despite her own admissions—described by her lawyer as an “unfortunate remark”—the court did not retain the aggravating circumstance of antisemitism.
The nanny notably stated that she regretted having worked for a Jewish family and referred to her employers’ “money and power.” Her lawyer, Maître Solange Marle, expressed her “satisfaction” with the acquittal regarding the antisemitic qualification.
A Denial of Justice Amid a Surge in Antisemitic Acts
This ruling comes in a particularly alarming context. On September 19, 2025, the French Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, issued a circular to all public prosecutors’ offices, calling for a “firm and swift” response to the exponential increase in antisemitic acts, in accordance with the 2003 law strengthening the fight against antisemitism.
The message sent by this decision is clear: antisemitism is being normalized. The crudest stereotypes—associating Jews with money and power—can now be expressed publicly without judicial consequences. This case is unfortunately not isolated: recently, the vandalism of a tree planted in memory of Ilan Halimi was also not classified as an antisemitic act by the courts.
Abitbol & Associés: A Pioneer of International Restorative Justice
In the face of repeated denials of justice, Abitbol & Associés has taken an unprecedented initiative. In collaboration with Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, and the Israeli Ministry of Justice, the firm is currently working on submitting an amendment aimed at extending the application of a Criminal Israeli law.
This law, already in force in Israel, establishes a groundbreaking principle: any Jew who is harmed in their person, physical integrity, or property because of their Judaism, anywhere in the world, may bring a case before Israeli courts—whether or not they hold Israeli citizenship.
The project led by Abitbol & Associés seeks to enable recourse to this restorative justice mechanism when a denial of justice is identified in the country where the antisemitic act occurred—particularly when the antisemitic nature of the act is not recognized by local courts.
Significant legal challenges remain: the issue of non-extradition of French nationals, potential conflicts of judicial sovereignty, and the absence of a criminal default. Nevertheless, the firm continues this fight with determination, fully aware of the historical stakes: providing effective judicial protection to victims of antisemitism worldwide.
A Necessary Mobilization Against the Normalization of Hate
“This is opening the door to unrestrained antisemitism,” concluded Dr. Debborah Abitbol during her intervention. “When the justice system refuses to name antisemitism, it fuels hatred and allows the most dangerous rhetoric to spread freely.”
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