France summons U.S. ambassador for unacceptable criticism on antisemitism
- France's foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Charles Kushner to address his accusations against the country.
- Kushner's letter claimed France was not sufficiently combating rising antisemitism, particularly after recent violence.
- The incident highlights ongoing tensions between France and the U.S. over diplomatic relations and issues of antisemitism.
In recent diplomatic tensions, France summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner after he accused French President Emmanuel Macron of inadequately addressing rising antisemitism in the country. This incident, which occurred shortly after an Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, points to growing concerns over antisemitic acts in France. The French foreign ministry responded firmly by rejecting Kushner's allegations, emphasizing that France has mobilized against this troubling trend. Kushner's letter, which criticized Macron for perceived leniency towards antisemitism and urged for a definitive crackdown on hate-crime laws and the safety of Jewish institutions, sparked a diplomatic response intended to maintain the integrity of France's internal affairs. Furthermore, the situation underscores ongoing strains in U.S.-France relations, which have been exacerbated by disagreements on various foreign policy matters, including the recognition of a Palestinian state and the role of U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon. Given this context, the French ministry cited violations of international law and the importance of trust between allies, clearly signaling that such criticisms are unwelcome and counterproductive to transatlantic partnership. As France holds the largest Jewish population in Europe, the response to antisemitism remains a sensitive topic imbued with history and urgency, feeding into contemporary political narratives both domestically and internationally.