French Jewry alerted to watch out for ‘fake Jews’

Local security services say terror groups may try to conduct reconnaissance and gain access to community buildings

JTA — The security service of France’s Jewish communities has alerted French Jews to “individuals pretending to be Jewish to gain access to community facilities.”

In a statement released Sept. 14, the Service de Protection de la Communauté Juive, or SPCJ, also declared a state of elevated alertness during the High Holidays.

“This year we have noticed in France various suspected cases of intelligence gathering on Jewish targets,” the communiqué read.

“The new [Jewish] year will be celebrated at a time when the threat from terrorist attacks is particularly high,” it added. SPCJ requested French Jews exercise vigilance at synagogue, at Jewish schools and at community gatherings.

On March 19, an Islamist extremist killed three children and a rabbi at Otzar Hatorah school in Toulouse. SPCJ documented more than 90 anti-Semitic incidents in the 10 days that followed the shooting.

In its announcement, SPCJ also referenced the July 18 terrorist attack in Bulgaria.

The perpetrator killed himself and six other people – five of whom were Israelis – in a pre-planned attack at Burgas airport. Israel said Hezbollah was behind the attack.