France has summoned the US ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, to respond to what it describes as unacceptable allegations regarding the country's response to rising antisemitism. Kushner's remarks, made in an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron published in the Wall Street Journal, drew criticism from the French government. He highlighted a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in France since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza.
The French foreign ministry released a statement firmly refuting Kushner's allegations and asserting their unacceptability, scheduling the ambassador's appearance for Monday. In the letter, Kushner urged Macron to moderate his criticism of Israel and detailed several examples of antisemitism that he claimed have plagued French life for years.
Kushner pointed out disturbing trends in France, stating that Jews face daily assaults, synagogues and schools are vandalized, and even Jewish businesses are attacked. He referenced the Interior Ministry's reports of antisemitic incidents affecting children in preschools. Additionally, he expressed his willingness to collaborate with Macron and other leaders to create a comprehensive strategy to fight antisemitism.
However, the ministry's statement underscored that, based on the 1961 Vienna Convention, ambassadors should not intervene in a nation's internal affairs. Kushner's sentiments mirrored those expressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a previous letter, in which he also accused Macron of fostering antisemitism through his calls for international recognition of an independent Palestinian state, which France plans to formally recognize in September.
In announcing the intent to recognize Palestine, Macron stated, "We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative." He has previously condemned antisemitism as contrary to French values and has increased security around synagogues and Jewish centers following a rise in antisemitic turmoil associated with the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The current hostilities were triggered by a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel commenced an offensive that, according to reports from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, has resulted in more than 60,000 casualties in Gaza, with widespread famine conditions being reported. However, Israel has dismissed claims of starvation in the territory as "outright lies."
The French foreign ministry released a statement firmly refuting Kushner's allegations and asserting their unacceptability, scheduling the ambassador's appearance for Monday. In the letter, Kushner urged Macron to moderate his criticism of Israel and detailed several examples of antisemitism that he claimed have plagued French life for years.
Kushner pointed out disturbing trends in France, stating that Jews face daily assaults, synagogues and schools are vandalized, and even Jewish businesses are attacked. He referenced the Interior Ministry's reports of antisemitic incidents affecting children in preschools. Additionally, he expressed his willingness to collaborate with Macron and other leaders to create a comprehensive strategy to fight antisemitism.
However, the ministry's statement underscored that, based on the 1961 Vienna Convention, ambassadors should not intervene in a nation's internal affairs. Kushner's sentiments mirrored those expressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a previous letter, in which he also accused Macron of fostering antisemitism through his calls for international recognition of an independent Palestinian state, which France plans to formally recognize in September.
In announcing the intent to recognize Palestine, Macron stated, "We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative." He has previously condemned antisemitism as contrary to French values and has increased security around synagogues and Jewish centers following a rise in antisemitic turmoil associated with the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The current hostilities were triggered by a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel commenced an offensive that, according to reports from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, has resulted in more than 60,000 casualties in Gaza, with widespread famine conditions being reported. However, Israel has dismissed claims of starvation in the territory as "outright lies."
