France calls US ambassador over anti-Semitism allegations

France calls US ambassador over anti-Semitism allegations

The French Foreign Ministry has summoned the US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, after he wrote a letter accusing the French government of a "lack of sufficient action" on the issue Fight against anti-Semitism accused.

French reaction to the allegations

France firmly rejected the “unacceptable” allegations in Kushner’s letter. The ministry said these allegations “do not reflect the quality of the transatlantic relationship” between the US and France.

“The increase in anti-Semitic acts in France since October 7, 2023 is a reality that we deplore and that the French authorities are fully committed to, given the untenable nature of these acts,” the ministry said in a statement.

Convocation of the US Ambassador

Kushner will be summoned to the ministry in Paris on Monday, the official statement continued.

CNN has contacted the White House and the US State Department for comment.

Content of the letter and reaction

In a copy of the letter provided to CNN by the US Embassy, ​​Kushner said he was "deeply concerned" about the situation in France. “Anti-Semitism has long characterized French life, but it has increased since the barbaric attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023,” wrote Kushner, who is Ivanka Trump’s father-in-law. “Since then, pro-Hamas extremists and radical activists have waged a campaign of intimidation and violence across Europe.”

Demand for more security

The letter, dated Monday, August 25, was addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron. Kushner, who was inaugurated in May, called on Macron to enforce hate crime laws "without exception" and make further efforts to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.

“Not a day goes by in France when Jews are attacked in the streets, synagogues or schools are damaged or Jewish shops are vandalized,” he emphasized.

Political tensions over Palestine

Kushner also commented on public statements criticizing Israel and gestures toward recognizing a Palestinian state. He stressed that such positions embolden extremists, fuel violence and endanger Jewish life in France.

Additionally, he advised the French president to reject moves that would give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies, citing actions by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Insights into the founding of the Palestinian state

Last week, Israel launched a series of diplomatic attacks against several of its Western allies as they prepare to recognize a Palestinian state in September. This included a forcefully worded letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Macron in which he accused France of making a decision that “rewards terror from Hamas.”

“Your call for a Palestinian state fuels this anti-Semitic fire,” Netanyahu wrote in a letter obtained by CNN.

International recognition

France has stated that the move is intended to revive the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and bring peace to the region. However, Israel and the US have sharply criticized the initiative, calling it a reward for Hamas' terror, which would only set back peace efforts.

Macron stressed that France's plans to recognize a Palestinian state are in line with its "historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East."

Australia and France are the latest Western nations to announce their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. Canada and Portugal have also declared similar intentions. Next month they will join more than 140 other countries that already support constitutional recognition of Palestine.

The United Kingdom has conditionally said it will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel meets some criteria, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.