NICE — Over the past two years, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi has been among France’s most vocal elected officials calling for the release of those kidnapped by Hamas during the terror group’s bloody invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023. As such, the recent return of all surviving hostages and a growing number of the dead has made a strong impact on him.

“I felt mixed emotions,” says Estrosi. “A lot of joy, but also sadness. Sadness in thinking of the October 7 massacre and the ensuing two years of horror for the hostages and their families, which continues with Hamas still not having returned all the deceased hostages.”

“While I rejoiced over the incredible images of the hostages being reunited with their loved ones, I also thought of those families still waiting for their loved ones who are no longer alive,” he said.

Until a few weeks ago, Israelis visiting the French Riviera city of Nice could be forgiven for being shocked when they walked past the City Hall. Figuring prominently at its main entrance was a sight unexpected at a municipal building outside Israel — a large, vertical banner with photos of the 48 Israelis still being held at the time by Hamas in Gaza, with uppercase text demanding their release.

The banner was inspired by another unusual sight. Until this summer, on the historic building’s main balcony outside Estrosi’s third-floor office, eight Israeli flags, in two separate groups, had pride of place alongside their French and European Union counterparts.

Estrosi had the Israeli flags installed there following the October 7 atrocities in Israel. In solidarity with the Jewish state, he vowed to keep the blue-and-white flags in place until all hostages were released. Despite opposition to the move, Estrosi stayed true to his word until an administrative court ordered them removed four months ago, prompting him to erect the hostage banner at City Hall.

Estrosi’s actions were a rare exception among public officials in France.

“My position on this issue wasn’t based on courage, but rather on my convictions and values,” Estrosi, 70, tells The Times of Israel during an interview in his spacious City Hall office. “It comes from my commitment to justice and the fight against barbarism, antisemitism and anti-Zionism. I consider it my duty to humanity and civilization to protect the values I share with Israel and what they represent in the history of humanity. Today, that includes defending them in the face of so much hate and adversity.”

It’s not without consequences for Estrosi, long known for his support of Israel and stance against antisemitism.

“Because of the stand I take, I’m subjected to insults and attempts at intimidation, including death threats against me,” says Estrosi. “I accept this can happen when defending one’s principles and values, but I’ve always said very clearly that nothing will cause me to be intimidated. You always lose a war when you’re afraid. That’s what I say to my Jewish friends. I tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid in Nice. I’m here to protect and defend you. I refuse that one........

© The Times of Israel