“Raising the French flag in Israel’s capital would be equivalent to taking a strong stance in support of historic justice and moral ethics,” Edelstein told the French Senate.
By: United with Israel Staff
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein called on the French Senate to take a “strong stance in support of historic justice” by “rais[ing] the French flag in Jerusalem.”
Edelstein addressed the French Senate on Wednesday as part of his official visit to Paris. In his speech, he noted that this week has been “historic” and “very special” for the State of Israel and Jerusalem.
”On Sunday we celebrated 51 years since the unification of [Jerusalem] under Israeli sovereignty, and on Monday the celebration intensified with the relocation of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, the significance of which is unequivocal: Jerusalem, and Jerusalem alone, is the eternal capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish People,” he told the French lawmakers.
Edelstein also broached the issue of France’s embassy, declaring that raising the French flag in Israel’s capital “would be a badge of honor for Israel and a badge of honor for the friendship between us.”
France, for its part, has stated it will not move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, adopting the European Union’s position that this can be done only after Israel and the Palestinians reach a final status agreement.
Most recently, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian disapproved of the US move of its embassy to Jerusalem, which he claimed: “violated international law and in particular UN Security Council resolutions.”
Israeli Innovation Inspired by the Bible
Edelstein also referred to Israel as a global leader in innovation and technology that improves lives, saying the inspiration for Israel’s drive may be found in the Bible.
“The answers may be found in the Bible,” he said. “The words written therein are very ancient. But the ideas are some of the most innovative and revolutionary that were ever written. At a time when everyone believed that the fate of every person and nation is predestined – the bible heralded the revolutionary notion of free choice, the belief that we can repair the world and the obligation to join the effort,” he said.
Commenting on the ties between the Jews and France, Edelstein said they were centuries-old
”For hundreds of years, French Jewry made a significant contribution to the Republic, which was the first country in the world to grant them full equal rights. In recent years commendable progress has also been demonstrated in the economic collaboration between our countries. More and more Israeli companies are beginning to take an interest in the French market; more and more French companies see Israel as a true ally. We live in a world in which the person who dares and innovates, wins,” he said.
“Jewish history and French history abound with daring and innovations. These are vital components of our national DNA,” he concluded.