In May 2025, an influential group of French Jewish public figures, including Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur and prominent journalist Anne Sinclair, broke their silence to publicly denounce the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their statements, forceful and heartfelt, highlight the increasing unease within segments of the Jewish diaspora regarding the Israeli government’s response to Hamas and its profound impact on Palestinian civilians.
Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur, a renowned figure in liberal French Judaism and editor-in-chief of the Jewish quarterly Tenou’a, sparked significant attention with her eloquent essay titled “Gaza/Israel: Truly Loving Thy Neighbor, Remaining Silent No Longer.” Her piece offers a powerful and critical reflection on the ethics of collective punishment and the moral responsibilities inherent in Jewish tradition. Horvilleur directly challenged what she described as an unacceptable silence from parts of the Jewish community regarding the ongoing suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.
Horvilleur’s writing underscores a dilemma she acknowledges as deeply painful. She notes explicitly that her critique emerges from profound love and commitment to Israel, yet she condemns unequivocally the humanitarian catastrophe she attributes to Israel’s siege and military operations in Gaza. “No one’s pain is alleviated, no victim honored, and no justice achieved by starving innocents or condemning children to a life of unbearable misery,” Horvilleur argued passionately. Her words were widely disseminated, sparking debate and reflection within the broader French Jewish community and beyond.
Anne Sinclair, one of France’s most respected journalists and former anchor of TF1’s “7 sur 7,” amplified the discourse by sharing similar sentiments through her Instagram platform. Sinclair described herself as profoundly conflicted, “bruised,” and “torn” by Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Sinclair, whose career has long involved navigating complex political realities, publicly recognized the brutal attacks committed by Hamas against Israelis on October 7, 2023, while simultaneously criticizing Israel’s retaliatory measures as “indefensible.” Her statement called explicitly for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the blockade that has crippled daily life in Gaza, emphasizing that Jews, given their historical suffering, should never allow injustice to be inflicted upon others in their name.
The impact of these interventions from Horvilleur and Sinclair extends well beyond personal testimonies. Their voices have contributed significantly to a broader dialogue within France’s Jewish communities about ethical accountability, the limitations of solidarity based purely on ethnic or national identification, and the essential humanity that binds all communities affected by conflict.
Their statements have inevitably drawn responses, some supportive and others critical. Supporters praise their courage and moral clarity in addressing human suffering irrespective of political allegiances, while detractors argue that their statements could unintentionally undermine Israel’s security and strengthen opponents who wish harm to the Israeli state.
However, this wave of outspoken criticism from respected Jewish figures in France highlights an important shift. Publicly addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza was traditionally cautious territory for many French Jewish public figures, partly due to sensitivities surrounding antisemitism and the geopolitical complexities inherent in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Yet, the severity of the humanitarian crisis, evidenced by reports from international aid organizations, including severe shortages of essential medicines, clean water, and food, has compelled many, including Horvilleur and Sinclair, to reconsider silence as a moral option. Humanitarian agencies have consistently described Gaza’s situation as catastrophic, with severe implications for public health, education, and basic human dignity.
This call for introspection and reevaluation from within the Jewish diaspora is not isolated. It reflects a broader global Jewish conversation wherein individuals increasingly question and challenge the decisions and ethics of the current Israeli administration’s approach towards Palestinians, despite unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’s violent actions.
Both Horvilleur and Sinclair represent a growing number of influential voices within Jewish communities worldwide that advocate for a compassionate response to the crisis, underscoring that political decisions impacting innocent civilians must be scrutinized and criticized, irrespective of religious or national affiliation.
Their statements arrive at a critical moment as international diplomatic efforts to mediate peace or at least alleviate humanitarian suffering continue to face severe obstacles. While the Israeli government remains firm in its military and security posture, international pressure from diverse sectors, now increasingly including voices within the global Jewish community, underscores the urgency for alternative solutions.
