In a shocking incident that has sparked concerns about rising antisemitism in France, a Jewish woman in Lyon's 3rd arrondissement was brutally attacked in her own home on Saturday. The victim, a woman in her thirties, suffered two stab wounds to the abdomen and was found with a swastika painted on her door, indicating a hate crime.

The attack took place around 1 p.m. when an unidentified individual dressed in dark clothing and with a concealed face knocked on the victim's door. As she answered, she was assaulted and subsequently rushed to the hospital. While her injuries are serious, they are thankfully not life-threatening, and she is currently receiving medical care.

The Lyon public prosecutor's office has suggested an "antisemitic motive" in their initial assessment, given the presence of a mezuzah, a traditional Jewish symbol, at the victim's doorway alongside the swastika. However, authorities in France are still investigating to determine if the incident will be officially classified as an antisemitic attack.

Local officials and community leaders have condemned the violence and expressed their support for the victim. Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet took to social media to denounce the attack and emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity in such troubling times.

The victim's legal representative, attorney Stéphane Drai, has confirmed that a complaint will be lodged for "attempted homicide." This attack is part of a disturbing trend where expressions of hate are escalating into physical violence. Police are conducting their investigation and working tirelessly to locate and apprehend the assailant.

This stabbing comes amid a surge of antisemitic incidents in France, fueled by the violent conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza. Since the Hamas massacre in southern Israel on October 7, there have been a startling 819 reported antisemitic acts in France, nearly double the total for all of 2022.

The rising antisemitism has left the French Jewish community deeply troubled and fearful, reminiscent of darker periods in history. Many have taken to social media, using the hashtag #JeSuisJuif, to raise awareness and stand against antisemitism in the country.

The incident is being treated with utmost seriousness by the judicial police and departmental security, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Authorities are determined to address the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents and ensure the safety and security of the Jewish population in France.

As the investigation continues, the Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Yaakov Hagoel, stressed that antisemitism is not confined to Israel but affects the entire Jewish world. He urged unity and resilience in the face of such hatred, emphasizing that the Jewish people have overcome attempts to extinguish them in the past.

Rabbi Moshe Lewin, the assistant of the French Chief Rabbi, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to understand the motives of the attacker. He recalled a previous incident where antisemitic graffiti turned out to be the act of another Jew, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive examination.

As France grapples with the surge in antisemitic incidents, it is crucial for authorities and communities to work together to combat hatred and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religion or background.