Alsace Mayor’s Home Vandalized with Racist and Anti-Semitic Graffiti

"Hatred has no place in our society and these demonstrations of intolerance and rejection of the other cannot call into question the State’s commitment to welcoming those who, given the risks facing them and their families, need to be protected, in accordance with international law," the Prefecture said in a statement.

For his part, the Mayor feels "overwhelmed" because what saddens him the most is that, throughout his political career, he has never sought controversy. "I have never politicized a debate, particularly on these issues," he said.

According to the French press, such inscriptions have been multiplying in recent months on town halls, schools and the homes of elected officials in Alsace. Last Monday, the Town Hall of Forstheim, a village in the north of the department, had been targeted.