French journalist infiltrates far-left groups, exposes antisemitism in bestselling book

Over the course of a year, French journalist Nora Bussigny joined a number of far-left groups, gaining their trust before writing a book about what she saw. Her book, Les Nouveaux Antisémites (The New Antisemites), has been boycotted by multiple bookshops but has nonetheless become a bestseller in France, according to YNet.

“I saw with my own eyes to what degree Islamists, far-left so-called ‘progressive’ militants and feminist, LGBT and ecological activists are closely linked in their shared hatred of Jews and Israel,” Bussigny said in an interview.

The book, released last September, includes information gained from Bussigny’s time with the groups and more than 100 interviews, along with research about the sources of funding for the various movements. While banned in some bookstores it has been widely praised and awarded the 2025 Edgar Faure Prize for political book of the year.

“During an entire year, I participated, with full discretion, in demonstrations, meetings, online discussions,” she explained. “I investigated university campuses. I applauded next to hysterical crowds glorifying terrorism. I took part in feminist protests and dialogued in municipal facilities with members of an organization outlawed in many countries for its close, proven links to terrorism,” she wrote, describing her experience of being in close proximity with members of Samidoun, a designated terror organization in the United States and Israel.

Perhaps surprisingly, Bussigny, 30, is not Jewish. Her mother was born in Morocco while her father is French, and she describes herself as half-Muslim. However, intentionally or not, she has placed herself at the center of the conflict and become a target for hate alongside the Jewish people. Now she needs police protection when attending public events.

“Since the book came out, I’ve been the target of death threats, horrible insults and an enormous amount of hate, especially on social media,” she relayed.

She says that the phenomena of antisemitism and anti-Zionism have deeply penetrated far-left organizations in France, according to Ynet.

“Before October 7, I was convinced they could only unify around a common hatred of the police and what it symbolizes for them,” she said, “But I’ve now seen how their hate for Jews, or rather Zionists, to use their term, is more effective in bringing them together in common cause.”

At first, Bussigny made some blunders as she was learning to fit in. “I’d say ‘Israel,’ which militants never say except for insults. They usually say ‘the Zionist entity,’ or if writing, they call it ‘Israhell.’ They also never say the IDF, but rather ‘the genocidal army.’ There were terms I had to learn to have the ‘right’ vocabulary,” she said.

“I had to really concentrate on how I spoke and acted when I was among them,” she continued. “They watch you to see if you’re chanting, if you’re happy to be there, if you’re filming. They’re suspicious. I made sure to look cheerful and excited to chant with everyone the glory of Hamas and Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. I was so careful to play the part that it became almost schizophrenic for me.”

Bussigny revealed that groups including Urgence Palestine, Palestine Vaincra and Samidoun not only receive political backing but also sometimes public funding and access to public facilities to hold their events.

“Before working on ‘Les Nouveaux Antisémites,’ I didn’t know many Jews,” said Bussigny, speaking of what is now her fourth book. “I think if it wasn’t for my parents, I could’ve become antisemitic. I grew up in a Paris suburb where I didn’t meet any Jews and didn’t even realize what antisemitism was.” However, this time she decided to dedicate her book to Régine Skorka-Jacubert, a French Holocaust survivor who was part of the French Resistance and survived Auschwitz.

Now many Jewish people are sending warm messages of appreciation. “I’m quite touched by the response from French Jews,” she shared. “I’ve received so much gratitude. Many say my book has helped them see what’s behind much of the current antisemitism. They’re worried and grateful to better understand everything that’s at stake for them.”

Indeed much is at stake. One chapter in the book looks at how Rima Hassan, a Syrian-born European Parliament member who identifies as Palestinian, has been radicalizing her far-left party, La France Insoumise, gaining enormous influence in social media. “She has the potential to become France’s Zohran Mamdani,” cautioned Bussigny.

“I worry about what’s happening with Gen Z… many of whom will be voting for the first time next year in the municipal elections, and then in 2027 in the presidential elections. We could have several Mamdanis in France.”

“My heart is heavy. I’m very, very afraid for France. I think in the long run, this might be a lost cause, but I’m among those who are going to fight until the end,” she vowed.

“For all the negativity, there’s been lots of positive feedback,” she added. “Given how well the book is selling, obviously, many non-Jews are reading it, which is important. I’ve received lots of support.”