France has officially summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner following the publication of an open letter in which he accused President Emmanuel Macron’s government of insufficient action against the rising tide of antisemitism in the country. This diplomatic move underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the tension surrounding this sensitive issue. The French foreign ministry released a statement late Sunday indicating that Kushner was summoned to discuss what they described as “unacceptable” claims that infringe upon international law, particularly regarding interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
Summoning an ambassador is a formal diplomatic method used by host countries to express their disapproval of actions or statements made by foreign representatives. The French statement emphasized that Kushner’s allegations “fall short of the quality of the transatlantic relationship between France and the United States and the trust that should result.” This highlights France's commitment to maintaining a strong diplomatic relationship with the U.S., even in the face of contentious issues.
Kushner’s open letter, which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on Sunday, expressed his “deep concern over the dramatic rise of antisemitism in France and the lack of sufficient action by your government to confront it.” He stated, “President Trump and I have Jewish children and share Jewish grandchildren,” reinforcing his personal connection to the issue of antisemitism. This personal narrative aims to underscore the urgency and emotional weight of the matter at hand.
The backdrop of this diplomatic spat is the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in France, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. This escalation of violence has heightened tensions and brought issues of antisemitism to the forefront of public discourse in France and beyond.
When asked whether the U.S. State Department supported Kushner’s position, principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed, stating, “Yes, we stand by his comments. Ambassador Kushner is our U.S. government representative in France and is doing a great job advancing our national interests in that role.” However, Pigott did not address France’s assertion that Kushner’s open letter violated international law, leaving that point unresolved.
In response to Kushner’s accusations, France firmly refuted his claims, asserting that its authorities are showing “total mobilization” against antisemitism, which they deem intolerable. This assertion seeks to reaffirm France's commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting its Jewish community amid rising tensions.
Kushner’s letter comes in the wake of France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state, a move led by Macron ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly. This political maneuver has drawn criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who argued that it is “fueling the antisemitic fire in France.” The complex interplay of international relations, domestic policy, and rising antisemitism makes this a critical moment for both France and its relationship with the United States.
As this situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how both nations navigate this diplomatic challenge and work towards addressing the pressing issue of antisemitism in France.
