The bombing of the rue Copernic synagogue in Paris on October 3, 1980, was a harrowing event that marked one of the earliest instances of modern international terrorism targeting Jews in Western Europe. This attack not only aimed to instill fear within the Jewish community but also sought to challenge the French Republic's values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Occurring on the eve of Simchat Torah, a joyous Jewish holiday celebrating the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle, the attack turned a festive occasion into a night of mourning and marked a somber moment in France's post-war history.

Background:

The rue Copernic synagogue, located in the posh 16th arrondissement of Paris, was hosting a congregation of approximately 300 people for the holiday celebrations. The attendees were mostly young people, gathered to mark the end of Simchat Torah. The synagogue, which stands in a quiet and affluent neighborhood, was unprepared for such a brutal and unprovoked attack.

Details of the Attack:

A bomb placed on a motorcycle parked outside the synagogue exploded just as the congregation was preparing to leave the service. The blast caused significant damage to the synagogue and nearby vehicles, spreading chaos and panic among the attendees and the local residents. The timing of the explosion, coinciding with the end of the religious service, suggested that the perpetrators intended to cause maximum casualties among the worshippers.

Victims of the Attack:

The attack claimed the lives of four individuals: Aliza Shagrir, Jean-Michel Barbé, Philippe Bouissou, and Hilario Lopes-Fernandez. Aliza Shagrir was the wife of Israeli filmmaker Micha Shagrir. Jean-Michel Barbé and Philippe Bouissou were Frenchmen, passersby who happened to be near the synagogue at the time of the explosion. Hilario Lopes-Fernandez, a Portuguese custodian working at a nearby school, was also among those killed. In addition to the fatalities, the bombing injured several others, leaving physical and psychological scars on the survivors and the broader Jewish community.

The attack was initially attributed to a variety of extremist groups, with fingers pointing at Middle Eastern and far-right factions. However, responsibility was never conclusively assigned, and the case remained shrouded in mystery for years, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty within the Jewish and wider Parisian community.

The rue Copernic synagogue bombing is a stark reminder of the dangers of antisemitism and extremism. It underscores the ongoing need for vigilance, solidarity, and the protection of all communities against hate and violence. In the aftermath, the French government and international bodies were prompted to take stronger stances on terrorism and to reinforce the security of places of worship and communal gatherings. This tragic event remains a poignant example of the need for an enduring commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among diverse communities.