France: Jews still associated with negative stereotypes (persecuted, pariahs...)

There is nothing to suggest that the Mayor is antisemitic.  But his statement indicates that Jews are still associated with negative stereotypes and perceived like in this case as victims and persecuted pariahs.   If you feel you are being treated unfairly, just trot out the usual complaint that you are being treated like Jews were treated for centuries in Europe. 
 
La Dépêche reported that representatives of the Jewish community did not wish to respond formally to remarks made publicly by Jacques Tene, the outgoing Mayor of Saint-Lys. But the CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions) did not appreciate the reference made by the Mayor, who was angry at his opponents vying for the first round of the municipal by-election in Saint-Lys.

Jacques Tene said that people are made to believe that Saint-Lys is bankrupt, but that's untrue.  He added that Saint-Lys was made to look like a Jewish town and as a result it will trigger the usual finger-pointing.

When challenged about the comparison Mr Tene reiterated the accusation against his opponents: "This is the truth: some have marked the city of Saint-Lys in yellow as in the past Jews were made to wear a yellow mark. I am in no way anti-Semitic and my comments have nothing to do with it!"