Ambassador from France to the U.S. Gerard Araud (left) meets with JUF leaders on Friday, March 27.

The Government of France is committed to protecting its Jewish citizens: That was the message leaders from the Jewish community heard from Ambassador Gerard Araud at a closed door meeting last Friday.

“French Jews are afraid, some are choosing to leave for Israel, but leaving France because of fear is unacceptable,” Araud said, detailing efforts by the government to confront radicalization within the Muslim community.

During the meeting, JUF Chairman Bill Silverstein shared with the ambassador his impressions from a recent national solidarity mission to Paris. “The Jews we met with expressed to us that they wished to stay in France, but want to feel secure,” he said.

JUF has provided $250,500 in emergency and security funds for France, part of $1.1 million allocated through our national agencies.

During his visit to Chicago, Araud also addressed the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Photo: French Ambassador to the U.S. Gerard Araud (left) meets with JUF leaders. (Photo courtesy the French Consulate)