While France is standing alongside Israel against the world powers regarding the Iranian issue, the French president, Francois Hollande, sent a letter to the president of the Jewish Congregations, Mr. Yoel Margi, in which he declares:
"Regarding [ritual] circumcision, France takes a strong position based on religious freedom. Therefore, it is unthinkable that any restrictions be instituted in an act which is a symbol of Judaism."
It is to be remembered that a month ago, the European Council, an international body which includes representatives from dozens of countries and deals mainly with human rights vis a vis legality and justice, registered its `concern' regarding implementing the commandment of circumcision, calling upon European countries to pass legislation curtailing the opportunities of performing this commandment as practiced by Jewry since the times of Avraham Ovinu with great sacrifice throughout the generations.
The decisions arrived at in the aforementioned body are only declarations, which obligate no one, since the European Council has no way of implementing or enforcing them.
What caused concern by the Jewish communities was the call issued by the Council to all countries urging them to create legislation forbidding the act of bris milah, with the Council's suggestion coupled with a line of similar decisions embraced of late by various countries throughout the world.
In this light, the French president's letter is very significant since France is one of the central European countries, and many look up to it to see how they will deal with this subject. President Holland's strong stand put an end to speculation and attempts to prevent French Jewry from carrying out the procedure ordained by their religion, in the hope that additional countries will follow suit.
