Aurore Bergé, the French Minister for the Fight Against Discrimination, has found herself at the center of controversy after she accused pro-Palestinian demonstrators of attacking a bakery in Strasbourg, claiming it was targeted because it was allegedly Israeli. This assertion, made on April 13, 2025, has sparked outrage among political leaders and has been widely criticized as misinformation.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on April 12, where individuals on the terrace of the Dreher bakery were said to have made gestures of defiance towards the demonstrators. However, the Bas-Rhin prefecture, local police sources, and even the bakery's owner, Benjamin Dreher, have refuted Bergé's claims, stating that there was no attack on the bakery and no damage occurred.
The prefecture explained that the bakery, which does not have any overt Jewish affiliation, was merely the backdrop for a brief altercation between a customer and a demonstrator. "The police intervened immediately, preventing any physical violence," a representative from the prefecture told Le Parisien on April 14. They further clarified that the bakery itself was not targeted and that the incident was isolated.
In her original social media post, Bergé expressed the need for society to respond to anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, stating, "It’s time for society to react and act against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism." However, after the backlash and the clarifications from the prefecture, Bergé posted a follow-up message on April 14, acknowledging that the bakery had not been targeted as she previously suggested. She expressed regret for implying a false narrative but did not delete her original post, which had garnered nearly 420,000 views.
The bakery's owner, Benjamin Dreher, commented on the situation, emphasizing that there were no damages and that the staff, accustomed to protests in the area, were largely unaware of the events taking place outside. He expressed disbelief at how the incident had been politicized, saying, "The sellers, used to seeing demonstrations, didn’t notice anything unusual."
This incident is not the first time Bergé has faced scrutiny for her statements. In 2024, she was involved in a controversy where she denied under oath any connections with a lobbyist for private daycare centers, a claim later disproven by investigative journalism. Critics argue that Bergé’s pattern of behavior reflects a troubling trend in public discourse, where facts are manipulated, and opposition is framed as a threat.
BHL, a prominent French intellectual, also weighed in on the broader implications of the situation, drawing a parallel between the Russian strike on a building in Soumy and the historic bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. His comments highlight the ongoing tension in France regarding the intersection of politics, anti-Semitism, and international conflicts.
The fallout from Bergé’s comments raises significant questions about the responsibilities of public officials in communicating sensitive issues, especially those involving race, religion, and international conflicts. The incident has sparked discussions across the political spectrum, with leaders from various parties condemning the spread of misinformation and calling for a more measured approach to such serious topics.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Bergé’s political career and the broader narrative surrounding France's handling of anti-Semitism and pro-Palestinian sentiments. Observers note that the political landscape in France is increasingly polarized, and incidents like these can have lasting effects on public trust and political discourse.
In the wake of this incident, many are calling for greater accountability from public figures and a commitment to truth in political communication. As misinformation continues to proliferate, the need for responsible reporting and fact-checking has never been more critical.
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained in political discourse, particularly in a time when tensions are high and emotions run deep. The public's response to Bergé's comments will likely influence future discussions around anti-Semitism, pro-Palestinian activism, and the role of social media in shaping narratives.
Ultimately, the situation highlights the importance of verifying information before making public statements, especially in a politically charged environment. As the debate continues, many hope for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in these sensitive issues.
