Posted on 07/18/2004 6:18:18 PM PDT by O.C. - Old Cracker
PARIS (Reuters) - France sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Sunday after he urged French Jews to emigrate immediately to Israel to escape what he called "the wildest anti-Semitism."
Branding Sharon's language "unacceptable," a French Foreign Ministry spokesman said Paris had demanded an explanation.
France, home to western Europe's biggest Jewish and Muslim communities, has been troubled by attacks on Jewish people and property in recent years, some of it blamed on youths of North African origin angered by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sharon, who regularly calls on all the world's Jews to migrate to Israel, acknowledged in a speech to Jewish leaders in Jerusalem that the French government was making efforts to stem anti-Semitism. But he added that the threat was so grave that French Jews should head for Israel without delay.
"If I have to advise our brothers in France, I'll tell them one thing -- move to Israel, as early as possible. I say that to Jews all around the world, but there (in France) I think it's a must and they have to move immediately," Sharon said.
The French spokesman said: "We have been informed of comments made today by Sharon calling on the Jews of France to emigrate to Israel.
"We immediately made contact with the Israeli authorities to ask for an explanation of these unacceptable comments."
Some 600,000 Jews and five million Muslims form part of France's population of 60 million.
The French Interior Ministry registered 67 attacks on Jews or their property and 160 threats against Jews in the first quarter of this year compared with 42 attacks and 191 threats in the last three months of 2003.
(Additional reporting by Megan Goldin in Jerusalem)
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07/18/2004 19:44
I'll bet the Israelis are shaking in their boots...
(Boycott everything French forever. Including their vassal nations.)
I have boycotted Perrier for several years because of the French government's again showing its historic cowardice and lack of morality. Since they refuse to fight world terrorism or the terrorists in their midst, I'm happy to be buying U.S. sparkling waters and other U.S. products.
I believe you lack the proper respect for modern journalism. Perhaps a course at our Reeducation Center is called for. The authorities have been notified.
Paris should slam some of its jihadi.
The problem is that the Israeli left loves the money, as they funnel it to prop up the Israeli welfare state, which is stiffling Israel. Moreover, the Israeli left likes Israel's hands tied. In 1998, then Prime Minister Netanyahu (now finance minister) stood before congress and called for a stepped cessation of economic aid. Of course, he is a Likudnik.
"Boycotts hurt you more than the person you are boycotting"
Bullocks. Virtue is its own reward.
And Sharon was on target for calling the French Government out.
Which is why france is crying about the slump in whine oops I mean wine sales.
Whine they still have plenty of, but come to think of it, only liberals buy the whine.
I trust that since 9/11 the FBI has been doing exactly that - in pointed fashion.
something else I'd love to see the numbers on is exactly what sort of people the French Jews are, vs the "North African Immigrants."
Which are actually the sort who contribute to both French society, as well as the "tax base?" Which group is made up of a greater number of scholars, doctors, teachers, etc? With the French, it's always best to "follow the money."
Mark
Really? In what way... When I needed motorcycle tires, I wound up going with my old standard, Dunlops (wonderful tires, by the way, that I'm completely incapable of utilizing to their performance maximum) rather than Michelins. When I was boycotting S&W, I wound up with a very nice Springfield Armory 1911, rather than a revolver. When I needed to stay at a hotel, I avoided an Accor hotel, like Motel 6. I stayed in a US owned chain. In every case where I wa boycotting, I made sure to let the company know that I was not using their products, and exactly why.
Please tell me exactly how I'm hurt?
Mark
Owl_Eagle
”Guns Before Butter.”
Priceless postcard photo - how apropos!
Just mon ami Adolph and I, enjoying baguette, brie and chardonnay at Eiffel's little passion.
Au revoir!
Actually, the 'question' is ridiculous. Sharon encouraged some Jews to leave France, France allows them to leave or stay as they choose. There is no 'question' as relates to the U.S.
The French will grab the swine by the tail, and face the situation!(It's the muslims, stupid!)
If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.
I hope Jews do leave, and then the frogs can live among the death cultists exclusively. See how they like it!
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