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Trump's 'mad' gesture on Jerusalem has opened some doors

In a period dominated by local news, the eyes of French Jews still turn to Jerusalem

December 8, 2017 15:36
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2 min read

News coverage of Donald Trump’s Jerusalem announcement is struggling for media space in France because of the passing of two great figures of French culture: Jean D’Ormesson, a literary giant, and Jonny Halliday, France’s Elvis Presley. 

While both identified actively with the political right, their talents -- and their longevity – made them iconic representatives of the French nation. Success in the seduction game was part of their mystique. President Macron will speak at a government-sponsored tribute to Jonny on the Champs Elysees Saturday.

Media coverage of Jerusalem has been largely predictable. Everyone knows how the Israel-Palestinian conflict must be settled. Jerusalem cannot be Israel’s capital because it belongs equally to the three Abrahamic faiths.

To touch Jerusalem in any way is to put the Arab-Muslim world on fire and destroy all prospects for peace. Only a madman like Trump would make a unilateral declaration to the contrary.