France Pays Homage to Jewish Army Captain

French President Jacques Chirac attended a national ceremony yesterday, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the moment in which Jewish army Captain Alfred Dreyfus was rehabilitated, after initially being convicted of treason, which later became what many have labeled a symbol of French Semitism.

Chirac delivered an impassioned speech at the ceremony that took place in the courtyard of Ecole Militaire in Paris, where Alfred Dreyfus was forced to renounce his military rank but then, 11 year later, was rehabilitated. During the speech, Chirac urged people to renounce racism and intolerance and be vigilant regarding others who display such attitudes: "The combat against the dark forces of intolerance and hate is never definitively won".

Relatives of the captain also took part at the ceremony, alongside those of famous French writer Emile Zola, who had campaigned in favor of Dreyfus at the time. In the words of President Chirac, Dreyfus was "an exemplary officer" and a "patriot who passionately loved France". He added that "The Dreyfus Affair helped to strengthen the Republic and aided it to forge the values that today are part of our heritage, such as the rejection of racism, the defense of human rights and the primacy of justice".

Back in July 12th 1906, an important court in France restored the public image and reputation of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, which was followed by his return to the army ranks. This decision was reached after Dreyfus had initially been indicted and convicted for high treason during a trial which had involved several other minor cases that also tarnished his name. Dreyfus was sent to Devil's Island, where he spent four years before being recalled and put on trial again, which ultimately cleared him.