Postponed last January, the Yadan bill (PPL 575) returns to the National Assembly on April 16 and 17. It must be overwhelmingly rejected for what it fundamentally is: an attack on the freedom to criticize Israeli policy under the guise of fighting alleged "renewed forms of anti-Semitism".

While Israel violates international law and human rights daily, committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Palestinian people, it is essential to remember that criticism of a state and its policies comes under the umbrella of freedom of expression. This is the case with Israel and its policies, and it has nothing to do with antisemitism.

French MPs must not be misled: this bill, which claims to combat antisemitism, has other objectives. Caroline Yadan, the MP for the 8th constituency representing French citizens living abroad (including Israel), has the sole aim of silencing opposition to Israeli policy and voices of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

And she does so by jeopardizing the necessary fight against antisemitism and all other forms of racism. Without having consulted most of the relevant institutions and organizations, nor consulted lawyers’ unions, she also failed to deem it necessary to consult the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH). The CNCDH, which is responsible for combating antisemitism and all forms of racism, issued a statement on the matter last January. Legislation on such serious issues cannot be enacted without thorough and rigorous work.

In its version amended by the Law Commission, this bill remains particularly dangerous for our freedoms:

• Under the guise of fighting anti-Semitism, it extends the scope of criminal law on the glorification of terrorism, effectively amounting to a “police of thought” that has nothing to do with the prevention of terrorist acts.
• To protect the State of Israel from criticism that might target its supremacist tendencies, it is attempting to introduce into French legislation the new offense of "calling for the destruction of a State".
• By its very design, it leads to an identity-based categorization of French Jews as supporters of the State of Israel and its policies. It is therefore dangerous for the French Jews it purports to protect. This has prompted numerous Jewish associations and prominent figures to mobilize against this law.

The France Palestine Solidarity Association calls for strengthening the mobilization of the entire solidarity movement, human rights organizations and all citizens who refuse to turn a blind eye or remain silent in the face of the crimes suffered by the Palestinian people.

The bill has received government support, with priority status granted by activating the accelerated procedure. It will therefore only be reviewed once only by the National Assembly and the Senate before being adopted or rejected.

The France Palestine Solidarity Association solemnly calls upon all members of parliament, setting aside partisan considerations, to vigorously oppose this bill, which is as useless as it is dangerous. Whether they vote against it or abstain, the essential point is that they be present in the National Assembly on the day of the vote to prevent its adoption. The survival of democratic debate, freedom of expression, and academic freedom in our country are at stake. The very cohesion of our society is at stake.

The executive board of AFPS,
March 26, 2026

Photo: Gathering in front of the National Assembly on the day of the first vote on the Yadan bill, January 26, 2026, © AFPS