Paris Kosher Restaurant Targeted in Acid Attack: A Rising Tide of Antisemitism?
A kosher restaurant in Paris, Kokoriko, was vandalized with acid overnight on Thursday, February 20, 2026, marking the third such attack on the establishment in the past year. The incident, discovered by employees early Friday morning, has sparked concerns about a resurgence of antisemitism in France.
The Attack and Immediate Response
Employees of Kokoriko, located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, found acid sprayed across tables, walls, and the floor. Crockery, cutlery, and glassware were rendered unusable, with visible corrosion on surfaces. The Paris Fire Brigade, including their specialized nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical unit, were immediately called to the scene. Technicians from the Central Laboratory of the Police Prefecture analyzed the substance to confirm it was indeed acid.
A Pattern of Vandalism
This is not an isolated incident. Kokoriko has been targeted by acid attacks on its facade on two previous occasions, most recently on October 9, 2025. Despite these prior attacks, investigations were closed due to a lack of identified perpetrators. This latest incident has prompted authorities to reopen an investigation, classifying the act as damage to property committed with a dangerous substance and motivated by race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion – an offense carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment and a €150,000 fine.
Broader Concerns About Antisemitism in France
The attack on Kokoriko comes amid growing anxieties about rising antisemitism in Europe. Social media posts accompanying news of the incident draw parallels to the targeting of Jewish businesses in the 1940s. The restaurant remains closed while a specialized cleaning company addresses the corrosive damage.
What’s Being Done?
The Paris prosecutor’s office has assigned the investigation to the police station of the 17th arrondissement. While details of the investigation are not yet public, the classification of the crime as hate-motivated signals a serious response from law enforcement.
FAQ
What happened at Kokoriko restaurant?
Kokoriko, a kosher restaurant in Paris, was vandalized with acid on February 20, 2026. This is the third such attack on the restaurant.
Is this being investigated as a hate crime?
Yes, the Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating the incident as damage to property motivated by race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.
Has anyone been apprehended in connection with the attacks?
No, previous investigations into similar attacks on Kokoriko were closed due to a lack of identified perpetrators.
Where is Kokoriko located?
Kokoriko is located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris.
What is the potential penalty for this crime?
The offense carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment and a €150,000 fine.
What is being done to clean up the damage?
The restaurant is closed and is being cleaned by a company specializing in corrosive substances.
Is this part of a larger trend?
The incident has raised concerns about a resurgence of antisemitism in France, with some drawing comparisons to historical targeting of Jewish businesses.
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