Deputy Chairman of the World Zionist Organization and Head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism, Yaakov Hagoel, sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron to intensify France's response to anti-Semitic remarks in his country.
Hagoel wrote: "Mr. President, allow me to express my unreserved support for the French government's persistent struggle against the phenomenon of anti-Semitism in recent years."
"However," he added, "given the horrifying and continuing rise in manifestations of anti-Semitism in France, which unfortunately is accompanied by incitement and even leads to the murder of Jews, I call on the French government under your leadership to significantly increase the punishment and enforcement by using a strong hand against incitement. manifestations of anti-Semitism, and the organizing of and planning of the murder of Jews. Radical Islamic terrorist organizations use anti-Semitic concepts and ideologies to harm the security of the Jewish community in France, and the struggle against the problem of radical Islam must coincide with the fight against classical anti-Semitism through education, advocacy and preventive action."
He wished to strengthen the manifesto signed by hundreds of intellectuals against anti-Semitism in France. "I concur with the sharp statement of the difficult situation of French Jewry signed by former French presidents, prime ministers, musicians and philosophers, which reflects the harsh reality of French Jewry and sharpening the immediate need to combat this phenomenon. Europe and the streets of France must rise to the political and media agenda. In the name of the World Zionist Organization, I express my support and strengthen the hands of the Jewish community in France and its leaders, who are fighting for its existence in a country that upholds the values of liberty, equality and fraternity."
"In these difficult times, I want to strengthen your hand, the hands of the French government and its Jewish residents in your country. The Jewish community of France is an integral part of the French heritage and its history. Together we will fight the rising anti-Semitism and remove the worsening of the hatred and persecution against the people of Israel," Hagoel concluded.