Emanuel Weintraub, a leader of the umbrella organization of French Jewry (CRIF), has harsh words against the leftist tendencies of Israeli media. "The Israeli press that presents a one-sided leftist position, and especially Haaretz," Weintraub said yesterday, "greatly weakens French Jewry's efforts to present Israel's position and promote the importance of Israel's existence." So reports Arutz-7's Kobi Sela from Paris.
Today, what was supposed to be a calm luncheon between the visiting journalists and their hosts this afternoon turned out to be a shouting match, at the end of which Maariv editor Ben-Dror Yemini left the room. Jacques Cohen, head of the Consistoire Israelite, responsible for the religious aspects of the Jewish community in Paris, said that the majority of French Jewry sharply rejects the Geneva Agreement, and that those who support it "are traitors... I am a Zionist, and I'm not ashamed of it."
Yemini objected, saying that he supports Geneva, and "whoever objects to Geneva, also objects to peace." A loud argument developed among several of the participants, and Yemini walked out. Veteran Voice of Israel broadcaster Avraham Ben-Melekh criticized Yemini, saying, "We came to hear what our hosts think, and not to argue with them. Yesterday, when we met left-wing Jews, you didn't get up in protest. Why do you do so now?"
Arutz-7's Sela further reports that French Prime Minister Chirac and Education Minister Ferry told the 30 Israeli journalists with whom they met yesterday that France is doing its best to combat anti-Semitism. Ferry said that his ministry recently disqualified a textbook containing phrases that are offensive to Jews.
Rabbi Joseph Pevzner, who heads the network of Jewish schools in France, and lawyer Nicole Guedj organized the journalists' visit. President Moshe Katzav is scheduled to visit France next month.
Today, what was supposed to be a calm luncheon between the visiting journalists and their hosts this afternoon turned out to be a shouting match, at the end of which Maariv editor Ben-Dror Yemini left the room. Jacques Cohen, head of the Consistoire Israelite, responsible for the religious aspects of the Jewish community in Paris, said that the majority of French Jewry sharply rejects the Geneva Agreement, and that those who support it "are traitors... I am a Zionist, and I'm not ashamed of it."
Yemini objected, saying that he supports Geneva, and "whoever objects to Geneva, also objects to peace." A loud argument developed among several of the participants, and Yemini walked out. Veteran Voice of Israel broadcaster Avraham Ben-Melekh criticized Yemini, saying, "We came to hear what our hosts think, and not to argue with them. Yesterday, when we met left-wing Jews, you didn't get up in protest. Why do you do so now?"
Arutz-7's Sela further reports that French Prime Minister Chirac and Education Minister Ferry told the 30 Israeli journalists with whom they met yesterday that France is doing its best to combat anti-Semitism. Ferry said that his ministry recently disqualified a textbook containing phrases that are offensive to Jews.
Rabbi Joseph Pevzner, who heads the network of Jewish schools in France, and lawyer Nicole Guedj organized the journalists' visit. President Moshe Katzav is scheduled to visit France next month.