Criticism levels against France's inadequate response to rising antisemitism by the American ambassador
In a strongly worded letter dated August 25, 2023, US Envoy Charles Kushner has criticised French President Emmanuel Macron over a spike in antisemitic incidents in France. Kushner's remarks align with those made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Macron of fomenting antisemitism.
The letter was penned in response to a surge in hate crimes that has affected both the Jewish and Muslim communities in France. Kushner attributed the increase in antisemitism to Hamas's barbaric assault on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
According to Kushner, "In today's world, anti-Zionism is antisemitism -- plain and simple." He noted that not a day passes without Jews being assaulted, synagogues or schools defaced, or Jewish-owned businesses vandalized in France.
France, home to Western Europe's largest Jewish population, approximately half a million people, has been grappling with this issue. The spike in hate crimes is linked to Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
The Elysee office responded to Netanyahu's allegation by calling it "abject" and "erroneous". However, Kushner denounced Macron's criticisms of Israel over the war in Gaza and his planned recognition of a State of Palestine.
Kushner also highlighted that most French citizens believe another Holocaust could happen in Europe. Moreover, nearly half of French youth report never having heard of the Holocaust at all.
France is among the nations that have recognized or plan to recognize a Palestinian state. Macron's announcement to formally recognize a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September drew a swift rebuke from Israel. As of the article's publication, at least 145 of the 193 UN members now recognize or plan to recognize a Palestinian state.
Kushner stated that such moves "embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France". He warned that these actions could have dire consequences for both the Jewish and Muslim communities in France.
The letter serves as a stark reminder of the need for unity and understanding in the face of growing hatred and intolerance. It underscores the importance of fostering peace and dialogue, rather than fuelling conflict and division.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
