Controversial BDS banner in Montpellier evokes Nazi symbol in connection with mayor’s name

A recent event in Montpellier sparked strong reactions, when a banner from the pro-Palestinian association BDS displayed the name of the mayor, Michaël Delafosse, with a controversial reference to the acronym of the Nazis, the SS. This act, which occurred during a public meeting, triggered an immediate response from the mayor, highlighting a situation of increased tension around the Israeli-Palestinian issue. A look back at the facts and the different reactions generated by this demonstration.

The demonstration and the controversial banner

On Friday April 11, a public meeting took place in Montpellier, with elected officials from the majority and residents of the city center. Outside, the BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions) group, defending the Palestinian cause, chose this opportunity to demonstrate their disagreement. José-Luis Moragues, representative of the association, displayed a banner where the name of the mayor Michael Delafosse saw its last two S replaced by the SS acronym of Schutzstaffel, accompanied by the inscription “Israel = genocide Delafosse accomplice”.

Reaction of the mayor and impact on public debate

Faced with this act, Michaël Delafosse quickly reacted on his X account, this Saturday, April 12, by publishing a long message. He denounced what he perceives as an attempt by BDS and its leader to propagate an anti-Semitic climate harmful to France. The mayor strongly condemned the association made between Israel itself and the executioners of the Jews during the World War II, calling it infamy.

The political context in Montpellier

During the meeting, other BDS members joined the crowd to question the mayor on his policies regarding Gaza, calling for the end of twinning arrangements with Tiberias and Bethlehem and a cessation of support for local Jewish associations. Michaël Delafosse affirmed that Montpellier would remain « the city of dialogue, » advocating for the release of Hamas hostages and a ceasefire, while supporting the two-state solution guaranteeing the security of Israel and the sovereignty of Palestine.

Pro-Palestinian demonstration on Place de la Comédie

On the same Saturday afternoon, a pro-Palestinian demonstration brought together several hundred people on Place de la Comédie in Montpellier. Between slogans and posters expressing their opposition to the war in Gaza, the demonstrators expressed their support for the Palestinian people. This event took place amid growing tensions surrounding the Palestinian cause, exacerbated by recent developments. It should be noted that other current issues are fueling debate in Montpellier, such as the mayor’s controversial public spending on a hotel; Learn more here. The controversy surrounding the Crit’Air sticker is also provoking heated reactions;

More information here. At the same time, the issue of non-metropolitan residents and their access to public transportation is generating intense debate;Details here.