New York, NY – Betsy Berns Korn, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“We are deeply dismayed by President Macron’s announcement that France will unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. This premature and one-sided declaration undermines prospects for a negotiated peace, emboldens extremist actors, and sends a dangerous message in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 massacre.
“The timing is particularly troubling. Hamas continues to reject credible proposals for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, even as international mediators work to advance a resolution. Rather than reinforcing the imperative of compromise, France’s decision removes any incentive for it. It signals that political recognition may be achieved through violence, without any obligation to disarm, release hostages, or renounce terror.
“A durable resolution can only be reached through direct negotiations between the parties. Symbolic gestures that bypass diplomacy, reward terrorism, and legitimize hostage-taking entrench division and prolong suffering.
“Peace requires Palestinian leaders to repudiate Hamas’s genocidal ideology and embrace genuine dialogue. As long as Hamas maintains control of Gaza, holds hostages, and threatens Israeli civilians, meaningful progress will remain out of reach.
“Israel has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace, including through the Abraham Accords, as well as longstanding treaties with Egypt and Jordan. These historic agreements affirm that peace is achieved through mutual recognition and engagement, not through unilateral declarations.
“We commend the many American leaders who have spoken out against France’s decision, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and others who have shown moral clarity at this pivotal moment. Their voices underscore the importance of rejecting steps that reward terrorism, standing with Israel in its just struggle against Hamas, and demanding the immediate release of all hostages. We call for continued bipartisan leadership in support of direct negotiations and a secure, lasting peace.”
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The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the recognized central coordinating body representing 50 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the positions of all member organizations.
