PARIS – French authorities are investigating an antisemitic incident at Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport after a video showing Jewish children being filmed and humiliated at the airport resurfaced online months after it was recorded, according to information provided by the children’s parents and advocacy groups monitoring the case.
The video was recorded on June 25, 2025, at Terminal 2B of the airport, but was not published on social media until December 19. The delayed posting led to renewed public attention in recent days, particularly after the video was shared alongside the hashtag “freepalestine,” which Jewish organizations say was used to contextualize or justify the conduct shown in the footage.
According to individuals familiar with the case, the video shows two Jewish children being filmed without consent in a manner described by their parents as humiliating and intimidating. The parents state that the incident caused distress to their children and are now preparing to file a formal complaint with French authorities.
Advocacy groups have identified a social media account believed to be associated with the individual who recorded and posted the video. The available information suggests the person behind the account may be a British national. Those details, however, have not been independently confirmed by law enforcement, and authorities have emphasized that any identification must proceed through proper legal channels.
Because the alleged acts occurred on French soil, jurisdiction rests with France. Legal experts note that if the suspect is located abroad, French prosecutors may seek cooperation through established mechanisms of international judicial assistance.
French officials have not publicly named a suspect or confirmed whether a formal request for cooperation has been issued to the United Kingdom. However, calls have been made for coordination with UK authorities, including the Metropolitan Police Service, should French investigators determine that cross-border assistance is required.
Under French law, publicly humiliating or targeting individuals based on religion can constitute a criminal offense, particularly when minors are involved. Antisemitic acts are treated as aggravating circumstances and carry enhanced penalties.
Jewish organizations in France and elsewhere say the incident reflects a broader climate of rising antisemitism in public spaces, including transportation hubs. They point to a pattern in which Jewish individuals, including children, are singled out, filmed, and shared online for harassment or intimidation.
“This case is especially troubling because it involves minors and because the content was weaponized on social media months later,” said one French Jewish community representative, who called for a swift and transparent investigation.
The French Interior Ministry has repeatedly stated that antisemitism has no place in the Republic and that incidents targeting Jews will be pursued vigorously. Official statistics show a sharp increase in antisemitic acts in France since late 2023, including verbal harassment, vandalism, and physical assaults.
Legal specialists stress that online identification by private individuals, while sometimes prompting investigations, cannot substitute for formal judicial processes. Any determination of responsibility must be made by authorities based on evidence, due process, and cooperation between states when necessary.
For the parents of the children involved, the resurfacing of the video has reopened a painful episode. They say the availability of a face and an associated social media account now gives them tangible grounds to seek accountability through the courts.
As of publication, no charges have been announced and no arrests confirmed. French authorities are expected to assess the evidence, determine whether a criminal offense has been committed, and decide whether to pursue international cooperation to identify and question the individual involved.
The case is being closely watched by Jewish organizations across Europe, who say it underscores how antisemitism increasingly manifests through digital platforms and public shaming, and why coordinated legal responses remain essential.
A man approached two young, visibly Jewish children playing video games and said, “Are you going to free Palestine?” before taking the console away from them.
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) December 20, 2025
The children clearly didn’t speak English, but they tried to interact with him kindly. I can only hope that spared their… pic.twitter.com/N0iOQHgcgh
