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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sharon angers France with call that Jews leave

Associated Press

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Sunday urged French Jews to flee the country to escape a rising tide of anti-Semitism while acknowledging the French government is fighting racial violence.

The latest French Interior Ministry figures show 510 anti-Jewish acts or threats in the first six months of 2004 compared to 593 for all of last year.

“If I have to advocate to our brothers in France, I will tell them one thing,” Sharon told visiting American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. “Move to Israel, as early as possible.”

In Paris, the French Foreign Ministry was clearly offended by Sharon’s appeal.

“We have immediately made contact with Israeli authorities to ask them for explanations about these unacceptable statements,” ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous said.

“We see the spread of the wildest anti-Semitism there,” Sharon said. “In France today, about 10 percent of the population are Muslims … that gets a different kind of anti-Semitism, based on anti-Israeli feelings and propaganda.”

He added, “I must say that the French government are taking steps against that.”

French Jewish leaders interviewed on France-2 Television said Sharon’s remarks were unhelpful.

“These comments do not bring calm, peace and serenity that we all need,” said Patrick Gaubert, president of the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism.