France Summons US Ambassador Charles Kushner Following Accusatory Open Letter to Macron

France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner to a meeting after The Wall Street Journal Opinion (Lean Right bias) published an open letter Kushner wrote accusing the country of emboldening antisemitism.

Kushner's Letter: Kushner accuses France of a "dramatic rise in antisemitism and the lack of sufficient action" to confront it. He claims that radical activists and pro-Hamas extremists have "waged a campaign of intimidation and violence" since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Jews are assaulted, their businesses vandalized, and synagogues or schools are defaced almost daily, according to Kushner. He also claims that gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state and public statements haranguing Israel "embolden extemists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France." He continues by citing U.S. President Donald Trump's actions against antisemitism and the fact that many Jewish parents in France are encouraging their children to emigrate, In conclusion, Kushner asks French President Emmanuel Macron to "enforce hate-crime laws without exception; ensure the safety of Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses, prosecute offenders to the fullest extent; and abandon steps that give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies."

France's Response: A statement by the French foreign ministry refutes Kushner's allegations, saying that France deplores the violence and is fully mobilizing French police to combat antisemitism. It also states that  Kushner's actions were "in clear violation of international law" and that Kushner was obligated to not interfere with the internal affairs of France. It also states that it was shocked by Kuhsner's views on Macron's stances, calling them "unacceptable" and that his actions diminish the trust that should exist between the two countries. Meanwhile, France has ordered Kushner to appear on Monday at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

For Context: Charles Kushner, a Jewish New York City developer and philanthropist, is the father of Ivanka Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner. His allegations come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Macron of fueling antisemitism by moving to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations.

How The Media Covered It: The New York Post (Lean Right) reported that the U.S. State Department is standing behind Kushner and his letter to Macron, though the White House has not yet commented on the incident. The Washington Post (Lean Left) noted that the decision by French officials to summon the ambassador of a long-standing ally "underscores the extent to which diplomatic ties between Paris and Washington have soured in recent months" due in part to conflciting stances toward the war in Gaza.

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