In a significant diplomatic move, France has announced that it will summon the US ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, following claims made in a recent letter that allege a substantial rise in antisemitism in the country. The timing of this criticism coincides with heightened tensions due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has elicited reactions from both French and Israeli officials.
Kushner, who is Jewish and has familial ties to the Trump administration, articulated his concerns in an open letter published in the Wall Street Journal addressed to President Emmanuel Macron. In his remarks, he highlighted what he termed an "explosion of hatred" towards Jews in France, attributing this escalation to the war in Gaza. The French foreign ministry has labeled these allegations as "unacceptable" and will have Kushner present to discuss the issues in a meeting scheduled for Monday.
In his letter, Kushner urged Macron to temper his criticism of Israel and referenced numerous instances of antisemitism, citing incidents of assault and vandalism against the Jewish community in France. He asserted the readiness of the US to assist France in developing a comprehensive strategy to combat antisemitism. Despite this, the French government firmly stated that ambassadors should not meddle in domestic issues, referencing the 1961 Vienna Convention.
This accusation aligns with sentiments expressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently conveyed to Macron that France's recognition of a Palestinian state could be contributing to antisemitism. Macron's upcoming plans to officially recognize Palestine in September have sparked further discord, as he previously emphasized the necessity for the viability of a Palestinian state alongside Israeli security.
The ongoing conflict, which erupted after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports indicating widespread famine and crisis. In light of the situation, Macron has vocalized his position on antisemitism, reinforcing that it contradicts the values of France. The decision to heighten security measures around Jewish sites further indicates the administration's commitment to confronting this pressing issue amid ongoing geopolitical strains.
Kushner, who is Jewish and has familial ties to the Trump administration, articulated his concerns in an open letter published in the Wall Street Journal addressed to President Emmanuel Macron. In his remarks, he highlighted what he termed an "explosion of hatred" towards Jews in France, attributing this escalation to the war in Gaza. The French foreign ministry has labeled these allegations as "unacceptable" and will have Kushner present to discuss the issues in a meeting scheduled for Monday.
In his letter, Kushner urged Macron to temper his criticism of Israel and referenced numerous instances of antisemitism, citing incidents of assault and vandalism against the Jewish community in France. He asserted the readiness of the US to assist France in developing a comprehensive strategy to combat antisemitism. Despite this, the French government firmly stated that ambassadors should not meddle in domestic issues, referencing the 1961 Vienna Convention.
This accusation aligns with sentiments expressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently conveyed to Macron that France's recognition of a Palestinian state could be contributing to antisemitism. Macron's upcoming plans to officially recognize Palestine in September have sparked further discord, as he previously emphasized the necessity for the viability of a Palestinian state alongside Israeli security.
The ongoing conflict, which erupted after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports indicating widespread famine and crisis. In light of the situation, Macron has vocalized his position on antisemitism, reinforcing that it contradicts the values of France. The decision to heighten security measures around Jewish sites further indicates the administration's commitment to confronting this pressing issue amid ongoing geopolitical strains.
