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France's lower house votes down Communist motion by 3-1 margin
- 10 May 2023
- 7:17 pm
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- 10 May 2023
- 7:17 pm
Memorial to the Martyrs of the Deportation, which honors those deported to Nazi concentration camps, in Paris. (Photo: Menachem Wecker.)
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After a group of far-left members of France’s National Assembly put forward a measure labeling Israel an “apartheid state,” the lower house of Parliament rejected it by a margin of 199 to 71. The debate and vote have once again highlighted the deep divisions that exist in France and throughout the world over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The measure was put forward by members of the Communist Party, who argued that the Israeli government’s policies towards Palestinians amounted to apartheid. They were joined by members of the Socialist Party, who rejected the use of the term but argued that the Israeli government’s actions were illegal under international law.
The debate was heated, with accusations of defamation and racism being thrown around. Jérôme Guedj, of the Socialist Party, rejected the use of the term “apartheid,” calling it an effort to “racialize and essentialize” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argued that the situation in Israel and Palestine was complex and that the use of simplistic labels like “apartheid” was unhelpful and inaccurate.
Aurore Bergé, president of the Renaissance party, went further, calling the measure “defamation” and declaring, “France is the friend of Israel.” She argued that Israel was a democracy that respected human rights and that the use of the term “apartheid” was a gross exaggeration.
On the other side of the debate, Jean-Paul Lecoq, of the Communist Party, argued that the Israeli government’s policies towards Palestinians constituted apartheid. He called Israel an “institutionalized regime” that was “aimed at the oppression of one group over another.” He called for France to recognize the state of Palestine and to take concrete steps to put pressure on the Israeli government to change its policies.
In the end, the measure was defeated by a large majority. The French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, had publicly stated its opposition to the measure, and it was widely expected that it would be rejected. However, the debate and vote have once again highlighted the deep divisions that exist in France and throughout the world over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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The use of the term “apartheid” to describe the situation in Israel and Palestine is highly controversial. Some argue that it is an accurate description of the situation, while others argue that it is an unfair and inaccurate label that is used to demonize Israel.
The American Jewish Committee praised the French National Assembly for rejecting the resolution, saying, “We commend France’s National Assembly for voting overwhelmingly to reject a resolution that would have falsely applied the ‘apartheid’ label to Israel. France remains a close friend and vital partner of the Jewish state, a pillar of the Israel-Europe relationship.”
The European Jewish Congress expressed “deepest gratitude” to the assembly members who voted against the resolution, “who had the courage to denounce its anti-Zionist nature,” and added, “Today, France sent a powerful message of solidarity with Israel and in favor of fairness.”
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most divisive and contentious issues in international politics. It has been going on for more than 70 years, and there seems to be no end in sight. The conflict centers around the question of whether there should be a Palestinian state alongside Israel, and if so, what the borders of that state should be.
The Israeli government argues that it has a right to defend itself against Palestinian terrorism, and that it has offered generous peace proposals that have been rejected by the Palestinian leadership. The Palestinians argue that they are being oppressed by the Israeli government and that they have a right to self-determination.
We commend France's @AssembleeNat for voting overwhelmingly to reject a resolution that would have falsely applied the "apartheid" label to Israel.
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) May 4, 2023
France remains a close friend and vital partner of the Jewish state, a pillar of the Israel-Europe relationship. 🇫🇷🇮🇱🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/JBdIHNZKhm
“We commend France’s National Assembly for voting overwhelmingly to reject a resolution that would have falsely applied the “apartheid” label to Israel.” (American Jewish Committee Twitter.)
Laurence Boone, French secretary of state for European affairs, also spoke out against the use of the term “apartheid” to describe the situation in Israel. Her comments reflect a wider sentiment among many policymakers who are reluctant to use such charged and contentious terminology to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The rejection of the measure labeling Israel as an apartheid state by France’s National Assembly represents a significant moment in the country’s relationship with Israel and the wider Middle East region. It sends a powerful message of solidarity with Israel and stands as a testament to the strength of the partnership between the two countries.
However, the issues and challenges faced by Israel and Palestine remain complex and multifaceted, and more work needs to be done to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As such, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a lasting solution that respects the rights and dignity of all people involved.
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Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
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