France summons the US ambassador over accusations of antisemitism

• France summoned the US ambassador due to his accusations of antisemitism.
• Kirshner called for more active measures against antisemitism in France.
• Macron emphasizes the importance of protecting Jewish citizens.

France summoned American ambassador Charles Kirshner after he wrote a letter to President Emmanuel Macron, in which he accused the country of insufficient action in the fight against antisemitism. The statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs was published in a section that designated Kirshner's accusations as "unacceptable."

Kirshner, who is Jewish and whose son is married to the daughter of US President Donald Trump, published an open letter in the Wall Street Journal, expressing concern about the growing antisemitic sentiment in France. In the letter, he emphasized that since the Hamas attack on Israel on July 7, 2023, antisemitism towards Jews in France has significantly increased.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Kirshner will be summoned to the ministry on Monday. They also noted that his accusations violate international law and should not interfere in the internal affairs of another country.

In the letter, Kirshner called on Macron to more actively apply laws against hate crimes and reduce criticism of Israel, asserting that government statements regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state contribute to antisemitic incidents in France.

France has the largest Jewish community in Western Europe, approximately 500,000 people, which constitutes about 1% of the country's population. Currently, against the backdrop of rising antisemitism, both Jewish and Muslim communities report an increase in hate crimes against Jews.

Macron publicly condemns antisemitism and has strengthened the protection of synagogues and other Jewish centers in response to the increase in antisemitic incidents, linked to the conflict in Gaza.

Tags: Europe/Politics