French journalist Paul Amar told CNews on October 18, 2026, that on one Marseille street, every Jewish-owned business was set on fire, while businesses run by Muslims were not. Several outlets repeated the allegation, noting it reportedly happened over the Jewish Sabbath. The reports did not list store names, provide police case files, or show verified video that matched owners to damage. The allegation still spread across commentary sites and social channels within hours.
Commentary sites framed the claim as proof of selective hate during chaos. They argued the Sabbath timing could show planning. They did not present independent records to verify owners or timing. The fast echo of the claim added fuel to an already tense national moment. It also pulled the story from one Marseille street into a bigger fight over immigration, antisemitism, and law and order in France.