A delegation of French Jews conferred today with President Valery Giscard d’Estaing at the Elysee Palace and later were his guests at an official banquet. It was the first time in post-war French history that a Jewish delegation has been officially entertained at the Elysee Palace. Historians said it was the first time in history that a kosher meal had been prepared and served at the Presidential palace.
The nine French Jews who met Giscard included Chief Rabbi Jacob Kaplan; Baron Alain de Rothschild, president of the Representative Council of French Jewish Organizations (CRIF), and Prof. Ady Steg, former president of CRIF.
After the meeting, de Rothschild said the delegation raised issues such as the existence of anti-Semitism in France, the situation of Jews in the Soviet Union and Syria and the Middle East. The Elysee Palace said the President “was mainly a listener” asking questions on Jewish life, religion, organizational structures and even ties with Israel. Mrs. Giscard d’Estaing attended part of the reception.
The President, who reportedly remained noncommittal on matters of foreign policy, indicated, however, that he will use “the best available means” to further the cause of persecuted communities whether in Syria or the Soviet Union. He did not specify what these methods were but last night during a television address he said he believed quiet diplomacy was the most efficient method, although France “will always speak out on behalf of human rights.”
Observers in Paris believe the meeting is part of a government campaign to try and woo the Jewish voters in preparation for next year’s general elections.
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