Israeli PM angers France

PARIS – French politicians and Jewish leaders denounced yesterday a call by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for French Jews to emigrate immediately to Israel to escape what he called the “wildest anti-Semitism”.

Sharon made his remarks in a speech to visiting Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, despite acknowledging efforts to fight anti-Semitism led by president Jacques Chirac. His comments have soured the atmosphere as France tries to build ties with Israel.Attempts by Israeli spokesman to ease tensions made little impact after Paris demanded an explanation for the comments.Parliamentary speaker Jean-Louis Debre, a member of Chirac’s ruling conservative party, the UMP told Europe 1 radio Sharon’s comments were unacceptable and irresponsible: “These are matters which distort reality…and I think they are an expression of hostility towards our country.”Sharon often calls on all the world’s Jews to migrate to Israel.He acknowledged the French government was making efforts to stem anti-Semitism but added that the threat was so grave that French Jews should head for Israel without delay.France is home to Western Europe’s biggest Jewish and Muslim communities and has been troubled by attacks on Jewish people and property in recent years, some of it blamed on tensions stoked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.- Nampa-ReutersHis comments have soured the atmosphere as France tries to build ties with Israel.Attempts by Israeli spokesman to ease tensions made little impact after Paris demanded an explanation for the comments.Parliamentary speaker Jean-Louis Debre, a member of Chirac’s ruling conservative party, the UMP told Europe 1 radio Sharon’s comments were unacceptable and irresponsible: “These are matters which distort reality…and I think they are an expression of hostility towards our country.”Sharon often calls on all the world’s Jews to migrate to Israel.He acknowledged the French government was making efforts to stem anti-Semitism but added that the threat was so grave that French Jews should head for Israel without delay.France is home to Western Europe’s biggest Jewish and Muslim communities and has been troubled by attacks on Jewish people and property in recent years, some of it blamed on tensions stoked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.- Nampa-Reuters