The recent brutal attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam has not dampened the spirit of French Jews, with a contingent of approximately 300 Jewish supporters and Israel allies announcing their attendance at Israel's upcoming match against France at the Stade de France this Thursday.
"We refuse to allow extremists and Islamists to determine our ability to enjoy sporting events. They will not dictate how we live our lives," declared Mélanie Pauli Geysse, a French Zionist based in Paris.
Video: Footage of the Amsterdam attack
Pauli Geysse leads "No Silence," a feminist collective founded in the aftermath of Oct. 7 to advocate for women who were sexually assaulted by Hamas terrorists. For her, this initiative naturally extends from her recent Olympic activities in Paris, where she organized WhatsApp groups and mobilized French Jews and Israel supporters to attend sporting venues, countering the prevalent hostility toward Israeli athletes.
"We've grown resilient to the hostile atmosphere since the Olympics, where we rallied hundreds of supporters carrying Israeli flags to cheer for our athletes who brought immense pride to the Jewish people. We'll maintain that same presence here, hundreds strong, waving Israeli flags and supporting our team," she stated.
According to Pauli Geysse, the Amsterdam incidents haven't diminished attendance for Thursday's game, though as with the Olympics, she and her fellow organizers are working closely with law enforcement to ensure security measures.
"The events in Holland have actually inspired some to join us, bringing Israeli flags to demonstrate their fearlessness. While some have withdrawn due to safety concerns, we remain committed to showing our presence, embodying the resilient spirit of the Jewish people," she said.
