France's Foreign Ministry took the unusual step of summoning the American ambassador on Sunday following the circulation of a strongly-worded letter that accused French authorities of failing to adequately address the growing threat of antisemitism within its borders.
The diplomatic rebuke came in response to correspondence authored by Charles Kushner, the recently appointed US envoy to Paris, who addressed President Emmanuel Macron directly with concerns about what he described as insufficient governmental action against anti-Jewish sentiment and violence.
According to official statements from the French Foreign Ministry, the allegations contained in Kushner's letter were deemed "unacceptable" and inconsistent with the historically robust transatlantic partnership between the two nations. The ministry emphasized that such criticism misrepresented France's dedicated efforts to combat what it called "the scourge of antisemitism."
Diplomatic Protocol and the Summoning
While Ambassador Kushner himself was not present in Paris at the time—having been away from the capital—the US Chargé d'affaires was called to the ministry's headquarters on Monday to receive France's formal response. A senior diplomatic source revealed that French officials communicated their position unequivocally: the letter was unacceptable both in its form and substance.
The Chargé d'affaires was informed that Kushner's conclusions did not align with the reality of France's resolute mobilization against antisemitic acts. Furthermore, French authorities characterized the letter as an interference in internal affairs, a serious charge in diplomatic circles that suggests a breach of protocol and respect for national sovereignty.
The French Foreign Ministry's statement acknowledged the painful reality of rising antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023, but insisted that French authorities remain fully committed to addressing these intolerable acts through comprehensive legal and security measures.
Content of the Controversial Letter
A copy of Kushner's letter, shared with media outlets by the US Embassy, reveals the ambassador's deep concern about the deteriorating situation for Jewish communities in France. The correspondence, dated August 25, opens with a stark assessment: "Antisemitism has long scarred French life, but it has exploded since Hamas's barbaric assault on October 7, 2023."
Kushner, who is Ivanka Trump's father-in-law and assumed his post in May, painted a grim picture of daily life for French Jews. He claimed that "not a day passes without Jews assaulted in the street, synagogues or schools defaced, or Jewish-owned businesses vandalized." The letter characterized the perpetrators as "pro-Hamas extremists and radical activists" engaged in a campaign of intimidation and violence across Europe.
The ambassador's critique extended beyond law enforcement to French foreign policy. He argued that public statements critical of Israel and diplomatic gestures toward recognizing Palestinian statehood serve to embolden extremists, fuel violence, and ultimately endanger Jewish life in France. This reference pointed to recent announcements by France and several other Western nations regarding potential recognition of a Palestinian state in September.
Kushner urged President Macron to enforce hate crime laws "without exception" and to implement additional measures ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities throughout France. He also advised the French leader to "abandon steps that give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies," contrasting this approach with policies enacted under the Trump administration.
The ambassador cited specific US measures as models for French emulation, including the enforcement of civil rights protections for Jewish students on university campuses and the deportation of individuals deemed threats to Jewish communities. In a personal appeal, Kushner noted his shared familial connection to Judaism with President Trump, stating, "President Trump and I have Jewish children and share Jewish grandchildren. I know how he feels about antisemitism, as do all Americans."
Context of Rising Antisemitism in France
The diplomatic dispute unfolds against a documented increase in antisemitic incidents in France since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. French authorities have publicly acknowledged this troubling trend while maintaining that their response has been swift and comprehensive.
Interior Ministry statistics reveal a significant surge in anti-Jewish acts, including physical assaults, property damage, and online harassment. The French government has responded with increased security deployments around Jewish institutions, enhanced legal prosecutions, and public awareness campaigns.
However, the tension between security measures and freedom of expression has created complex challenges. French officials have walked a careful line, condemning antisemitism unequivocally while also managing diverse political perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within French society.
Diplomatic Implications and Bilateral Relations
The summoning of an ambassador—particularly from a close ally—represents a serious diplomatic gesture indicating profound displeasure. France's decision to escalate the matter suggests that Kushner's letter struck a particularly sensitive nerve within the French establishment.
The characterization of the letter as interference in internal affairs raises questions about diplomatic boundaries and the appropriate channels for expressing concerns about human rights and minority protection. While ambassadors routinely advocate for issues important to their home governments, direct public criticism of host nation policies can strain relations.
The incident also highlights differing approaches between the Trump administration and European allies on Middle East policy. Kushner's explicit criticism of France's potential recognition of Palestinian statehood and his framing of the issue through a particular political lens reflect broader transatlantic disagreements.
France has historically prided itself on its independent foreign policy and its commitment to universal human rights principles. The suggestion that its efforts against antisemitism are insufficient challenges both its domestic record and its international standing.
Broader Regional Context
The controversy occurs as Israel intensifies diplomatic pressure on Western allies ahead of anticipated Palestinian statehood recognition initiatives. Several European nations, including France, have indicated willingness to recognize Palestinian sovereignty, arguing that a two-state solution remains essential for long-term regional stability.
This diplomatic divergence has created friction with the current US administration, which has taken a markedly different approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kushner's letter appears to be part of a broader strategy to influence European policy through direct engagement and public pressure.
The reference to pro-Hamas extremists also touches on sensitive debates within France about political Islam, integration, and national security. French authorities have been grappling with how to address radicalization while respecting civil liberties and avoiding stigmatization of Muslim communities.
Looking Forward
As the situation develops, both nations will likely seek to contain the diplomatic fallout while maintaining their respective positions. The French government will probably continue to emphasize its legal and security measures against antisemitism, possibly inviting international observers to verify its efforts.
For the US Embassy in Paris, the incident may necessitate a recalibration of communication strategies, balancing the ambassador's mandate to advocate for Jewish community concerns with diplomatic protocols that preserve bilateral relations.
The underlying issues—rising antisemitism, Middle East policy disagreements, and the boundaries of diplomatic intervention—remain unresolved and will likely continue to test the US-France relationship in the coming months.