Charles Kushner, father-in-law of Ivanka Trump, penned an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron urging him to moderate his criticism of Israel. The letter was a response to Macron’s announcement that France would advocate for the recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Kushner criticized this stance, claiming it has contributed to rising antisemitic violence in France and urged quicker enforcement of hate-crime laws.
This open letter has sparked significant backlash, leading to France summoning the American ambassador to address Kushner’s allegations. The French foreign ministry deemed his claims “unacceptable,” and pointed to the rise in antisemitic acts in France as being exacerbated by statements endorsing Palestinian statehood. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his discontent, asserting that Macron’s approach to Palestine could incite antisemitism.
Kushner emphasized that public criticism of Israel and gestures towards Palestinian recognition embolden extremist groups, putting Jewish lives in France at risk. He argued that anti-Zionism translates into antisemitism in today’s context. His comments coincide with Macron’s role as a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza, particularly concerning civilian casualties, contrasting Trump’s continued support for the Israeli leader.
Macron has been firm in addressing antisemitism as contrary to French values, increasing security for Jewish communities amid rising tensions linked to the conflict in Gaza. This incident highlights the deepening geopolitical rifts between France, the U.S., and Israel, particularly regarding the sensitive discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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