Journalist reflects on Israel's situation

French journalist Claude Askolovitch, who previously hosted the morning news review for France Inter until 2025, expressed deep emotional turmoil over Israel's current situation, calling it "fascism" and stating that seeing Israel in such a state is "cruel." He described feeling "his hands full of blood," three years after October 7 and its aftermath in the Gaza Strip.

Personal history shapes his view

Askolovitch, whose mother was deported, whose father ran the magazine L'Arche, and whose sister, an Israeli, feels "betrayed" today, emphasized that he cannot accept the situation. He stated that Israel bears the name of his "old people, my ancient tribe: what I was and remain," and described Israel as "our hope. Now it is our burden and our distress, but still our hope, if it can be saved."

New book explores personal and historical themes

His book, Mes mains, pleines de sang, published by Grasset in 2026, is described as a dive into history, a cry of love for a people and a country he will "never hate," a narrative of family memories that shaped his Judaism and a theological meditation. The title, inspired by a verse from the Book of Isaiah (1, 15), is considered emblematic of an eminently biblical work.

Related article examines October 7's impact

The article also references a related piece titled "Sermons among the ruins": the words of October 7. This piece likely explores the aftermath and reflections on the events of October 7, which Askolovitch has deeply connected to his personal and professional life.