The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on 24/8, "We firmly reject these accusations. The allegations from the US ambassador are unacceptable,".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed France's "continued commitment" to fighting antisemitism. It said the comments from US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, "contravene international law", particularly the obligation of diplomatic personnel to "not interfere in the internal affairs of other nations".
"Moreover, they are not worthy of the quality of the transatlantic relationship between France and the US, nor the trust that should exist between allies," the ministry emphasized.
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Ambassador Kushner leaving the Elysee Palace in Paris after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in July. Photo: AFP |
Ambassador Kushner leaving the Elysee Palace in Paris after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in July. Photo: AFP
Ambassador Kushner's letter to President Emmanuel Macron, dated 25/8 and leaked to the media on 24/8, echoed recent criticism from Israel directed at France, a move that already drew a sharp reaction from Paris.
"I am writing this letter out of deep concern that antisemitism in France is increasing significantly and your government lacks sufficiently strong actions to address it. Not a day goes by in France without Jews being assaulted on the streets, synagogues or schools being defaced, or Jewish businesses being vandalized," Kushner wrote.
He said "antisemitism has long plagued life in France," but hatred toward Jews has flared up even more strongly since Hamas attacked Israeli territory in 10/2023, sparking the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Ambassador Kushner also condemned President Macron's criticisms of Israel's Gaza operation and plan to recognize a Palestinian state. The US ambassador warned such moves "embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger the lives of Jews in France".
France has Western Europe's largest Jewish community, with about half a million people.
The message from Ambassador Kushner was similar to comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 19/8, when the Israeli leader accused President Macron of inciting antisemitism, saying it had "increased sharply" in France after the country announced it would recognize a Palestinian state.
The Elysee Palace immediately responded, calling the Israeli leader's accusations "despicable" and "false".
Vu Hoang (According to AFP)
