A drunk local individual smashed windows and tore down signage at the Beis Chana Chabad school in Paris on Motzoei Shabbos, damaging a security camera in the attack. French authorities have opened an investigation as officials condemn the incident.

The perpetrator shattered three windows of the school building, destroyed the security camera at the entrance, and ripped off the sign identifying the school. Police later found the sign in a nearby park.

The prosecutor’s office emphasized that no entry was made into the school itself. Police have opened an investigation for “causing serious damage” and are working to locate the suspects.

The attack comes as France continues to grapple with surging antisemitism. The French Interior Ministry recorded 1,570 antisemitic incidents in 2024, with 889 incidents documented in the first eight months of 2025.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez pledged last November that his government is committed to the security of Jewish community institutions and to an uncompromising fight against antisemitism.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, stating: “We strongly condemn the antisemitic acts of vandalism perpetrated against the Beth Loubavitch – Beth’Hannah Jewish primary school in Paris’s 20th arrondissement. Targeting a school, a place of learning and gathering for children, constitutes a grave and deeply alarming act. We trust the French authorities to take firm measures and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Hatred must be combated with determination, before it turns into violence against human lives.”

Éric Pliez, Mayor of the 20th arrondissement, declared: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempted break-in and damage to a Jewish school in our district. These acts are unacceptable and contrary to our values. The safety of students is an absolute priority. Together with the municipal team, I reaffirm my total rejection of all forms of anti-Semitism.”

The shluchim and school administration conveyed that despite the attempt to intimidate the Jewish community, classes continue as usual. “In the face of darkness and hatred, we will add light through Torah and proud Jewish education,” they stated. “We trust the authorities to bring the criminals to justice, but our true response is continuing our activities and strengthening the institution.”

Beis Chana – part of the Beis Chaya Mushka educational complex – serves hundreds of girls from the Jewish community and continues its educational mission with enhanced security measures.