France plans to meet with US ambassador Charles Kushner on Monday following sharp comments from American officials about the country’s response to rising anti-Semitism.
The French Foreign Ministry stated that Kushner “will hear the allegations” mentioned in a letter published in the Wall Street Journal. The ministry also noted, “I will firmly reject the allegation.”
While acknowledging an uptick in anti-Semitism since October 7, 2023, the ministry expressed regret and emphasized that French authorities are actively working to address the issue. They stressed that such actions are taken very seriously.
However, the ministry deemed Kushner’s comments “unacceptable,” arguing that his open letter to President Emmanuel Macron overstepped diplomatic norms by interference in France’s internal matters.
The ministry’s statement underscored that “[the allegations] must respect international law, particularly regarding a nation’s internal affairs.”
“Ambassador Kushner will be summoned to Quai D’Orsay on Monday, August 25th,” the statement confirmed.
Kushner, who is the father of Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, expressed in his letter published in the Journal that he was “deeply concerned about the dramatic rise of anti-Semitism in France and the insufficient action from your government to address it.”
He further stated that public acknowledgment of extremism is crucial, as it not only fuels violence but also endangers Jewish lives both in France and Israel. Additionally, he asserted that anti-Zionism equates to anti-Semitism in today’s climate.
Kushner highlighted the significance of combating anti-Semitism, noting his connection to Jewish grandchildren shared with Trump, and mentioned the former president’s previous efforts in the fight against it, emphasizing that decisive leadership is vital.
“President, I encourage you to act decisively. I will enforce hate crime laws without exception, ensuring the safety of Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses,” he wrote.
Kushner expressed a willingness to collaborate with Macron and other leaders in France.
The State Department supported Kushner’s remarks after France’s decision to summon him. Deputy spokesperson Tommy Piggott remarked that “we support his comments. Ambassador Kushner is a representative of the US government in France and does an incredible job in that role.”
