In an action that highlights the severity of promoting Holocaust denial and antisemitism, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo formally withdrew the Medal of the City of Paris from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The medal, known in French as La médaille Grand Vermeil de Paris, represents one of the most prestigious honors the city can offer. This decision was conveyed through an open letter from Hidalgo to Abbas, a document that has since been obtained by both Israeli and French media outlets.

In the letter, Mayor Hidalgo took issue with Abbas's recent statements that express a blatant attempt to negate the Holocaust—a genocide that subjected European Jews to unspeakable horrors under the Nazi regime. She articulated that Abbas's comments not only stand in direct opposition to universal human values but also actively distort the historical truth surrounding the Holocaust. As such, he has made himself ineligible to hold an honor of such high standing from the City of Paris.

    

Bravo to Mayor @Anne_Hidalgo for stripping Mahmoud Abbas of the Medal of Paris for his remarks expressing a “clear desire to deny the genocide to which the Jewish populations of Europe were victims at the hands of the Nazi regime.” Other leaders must speak out. https://t.co/qYohia70JM pic.twitter.com/609Ieut8ML

— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) September 8, 2023

This latest controversy stems from remarks Abbas made suggesting that Ashkenazi Jews are not native to the Middle East but rather originate from Europe. To further aggravate the issue, he claimed that the root cause of the Holocaust lay in longstanding animosities towards Jews for their historical roles as moneylenders. This is a well-worn antisemitic trope that has long been debunked. Abbas's problematic statements are not isolated incidents. He has a longstanding record of espousing inflammatory and unfounded theories. Notably, he has perpetuated the erroneous notion that Ashkenazi Jews are actually Khazars who converted to Judaism—a theory that has been thoroughly discredited by historical research and genetic studies. Such views are often weaponized by anti-Israel groups and publications.

Mayor Hidalgo was unambiguous in her condemnation of Abbas. She wrote, "Your statements are not only profoundly offensive but are also utterly unacceptable. No political or ideological cause can ever justify the endorsement of Holocaust denial or historical revisionism." The Mayor reminded Abbas that the Holocaust is an indelible part of Parisian history, referring to the tens of thousands of Jewish men, women, and children who were rounded up, deported, and exterminated during World War II.

Paris Mayor @Anne_Hidalgo announced the withdrawal of the Grand Vermeil Medal of Paris from PA leader Mahmoud Abbas.

This significant decision honours Paris and the city's steadfast commitment against antisemitism. https://t.co/9ODazJ73N2

— European Jewish Congress (@eurojewcong) September 8, 2023

Nevertheless, Hidalgo also provided a note of temperance, underscoring that despite this action, the City of Paris will continue its collaborations with Palestinian cities such as Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jenin. She affirmed that these partnerships contribute positively to the Middle East peace process. Critics argue that this nuanced approach—of condemning words but not altering diplomatic relationships—indicates a lack of concrete consequences for Abbas's harmful rhetoric. This stance echoes the wider international trend among Western leaders, who often condemn but do little else.

While Abbas has tried to walk back some of his more contentious comments, his follow-up remarks betray a lack of sincerity. Despite claiming to hold respect for Jewish people, his continued challenge to the very Jewish identity of many negates any genuine attempts at apology.

Finally, Abbas' speech in all its glory. I've never been so proud of being a descendant of Khazar as I am today - it was us, the Khazars who drained the swamps and greened the deserts of Eretz Israel, and it was our Khazarian scientists and universities who educated the Middle… https://t.co/K5J9WVIKjY

— Judea Pearl (@yudapearl) September 7, 2023

It's worth noting that the Medal of the City of Paris was initially conferred upon Abbas nearly eight years ago, on September 21, 2015. At that time, the award was meant to recognize his contributions toward peace between Palestinians and Israelis. However, in the current climate, Mayor Hidalgo's decision to withdraw this honor is a poignant reminder of the grave consequences of promoting Holocaust denial and antisemitic falsehoods, particularly when they come from diplomatic figures on the world stage.