Woedende reacties Frankrijk na oproep Sharon aan Franse joden tot emigratie naar Israel (en)

The French government has reacted with anger to comments from Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon that French Jews should emmigrate immediately to Israel to avoid rising anti-semitism in France.

Speaking yesterday in Jerusalem, Mr Sharon said, "If I have to advise our brothers in France, I'll tell them one thing - move to Israel, as early as possible. I call on all Jews to move to Israel; but it is absolutely necessary for Jews in France and they should move immediately. In France, a wild anti-semitism is spreading".

He added, "In France today, about 10 per cent of the population are Muslims ... that permits a different kind of antisemitism to grow, based on anti-Israeli feelings and propaganda".

He tempered his comments, however, by saying that the "French government has taken steps against anti-semitic acts".

Explain yourself!

The French foreign ministry reacted angrily. A spokesman said, "We have immediately made contact with the Israeli authorities to ask them to explain these unacceptable statements".

Mr Sharon's comments follow a rise in anti-semitic events in France and a noticeable ratcheting up of the rhetoric against anti-semitism on the part of French leaders.

In a major domestic policy speech two weeks ago, French President Jacques Chirac called for an end to what he described as "[the] despicable and odious acts of hatred sullying our nation".

Anti-semitism is undoubtedly on the rise in France. Figures published by the French interior ministry show that 510 anti-Jewish threats or acts took place in the first half of 2004. This is only 83 fewer than occurred in the whole of last year.

Oil on the fire

But Jewish leaders in France were also quick to condemn Mr Sharon's comments.

According to Liberation, Richard Prasquier, a member of the Council which represents Jewish institutions in France, said, "we cannot accept this type of comment".

"We all know that the situation for Jews in France is difficult. The Jewish community is genuinely worried .... the community knows that the political class is doing everything it can to fight against this anti-semitism. But to pour oil on the fire in this way is not acceptable".