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Ambassadors

Escalating Diplomatic Row: US and France at Odds Over Antisemitism

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tensions between the US and France have increased following the US ambassador's criticism of the French response to a growing tide of antisemitism. The US has stood firmly behind Ambassador Charles Kushner's comments, despite France condemning them as "unacceptable." The diplomatic row has escalated amid concerns about an increase in antisemitic acts and hate crimes in France, particularly following the conflict in Gaza. France's President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN, sparking irritation in Israel and the US. The situation has sparked concerns about the safety of the Jewish community in France, with over 646 antisemitic acts recorded in the country between January and June 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and France are engaged in a diplomatic row over the French response to antisemitism, with the US ambassador criticizing the French government for not doing enough to address the issue.
  • The US has stood firmly behind Ambassador Charles Kushner's comments, with State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott saying that the administration "stands by his comments."
  • France has condemned the ambassador's letter, with Macron saying that the allegations from Kushner are "unacceptable."
  • The situation has sparked concerns about the safety of the Jewish community in France, with over 646 antisemitic acts recorded in the country between January and June 2025.
  • Members of France's Jewish community have reported a surge in antisemitic acts following the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
  • A group of 150 young Israeli tourists was refused entry to a leisure park in the south of France last week, prompting prosecutors to investigate the manager on suspicion of discrimination.
  • The cutting down of an olive tree planted in memory of a young Jewish man tortured to death in 2006 outside Paris has stirred outrage in France.
  • The French government's fight against antisemitism is described as "unambiguous" by Equality Minister Aurore Berge, but she acknowledges that the situation is "absolutely intolerable."
  • A lawyer for several French victims of the October 7 attacks has defended the government, pointing out that no antisemitic murder has been committed in France while several have occurred in the US.

Statistics:

  • 646 antisemitic acts were recorded in France between January and June 2025.
  • 891 antisemitic acts were recorded in France between January and June 2024.
  • 304 antisemitic acts were recorded in France between January and June 2023.
  • The number of antisemitic acts in France has more than doubled between January and June 2023 and January and June 2025.
  • France is home to western Europe's largest Jewish population, with around half a million people.

Sources:

  • BSS (Bangladesh News Agency)
  • Reuters
  • AP News
  • Europe 1-CNews

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