Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 8:32:54 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

France Plotzes as Sarko Jr Weds Jewish Heiress

Posted Sep 11, 08 8:55 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Jean Sarkozy, the 22-year-old son of France's president, married his childhood sweetheart last night in a ceremony so under wraps that guests were informed via text message. A possible reason for the secrecy? His bride, the heiress to a huge electronics company, is Jewish—and the marriage has set off a wave of soul-searching in the French press about the country's legacy of anti-Semitism.

One of France's most popular columnists alleged that Jean Sarkozy would convert to Judaism, adding, "He'll go far, that kid." Those remarks got the writer fired, opened several lawsuits, and set off a huge debate in France. The younger Sarkozy, who is also a politician, said the rumors of conversion are false, and that he was so shocked by anti-Semitic graffiti and blogs that "I ask myself where it all comes from."

Source Guardian (UK)

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • France Launches Probe of Anti-Semitic T-Shirts

    Aug 13, 08 4:19 PM CDT
    France Launches Probe of Anti-Semitic T-Shirts French authorities are investigating the sale of T-shirts bearing anti-Semitic slogans that date to 1940, the BBC reports. The shirts carry the slogan "Jews not allowed in this park" in German and Polish, reproduced from signs posted in Lodz, Poland, during World War II. Almost all of Lodz's Jews perished in the Holocaust.
    More »

  • French Writer Sparks Uproar With 'Anti-Semitic' Satire

    Aug 3, 08 8:23 AM CDT
    French Writer Sparks Uproar With 'Anti-Semitic' Satire Controversial French columnist Maurice Siné is drawing cries of anti-Semitism for statements about President Sarkozy's son, reports the Guardian. In a column for Charlie Hebdo, Siné alleged Jean Sarkozy planned to convert to Judaism to wed a Jewish heiress and "go a long way in life." Siné's editor agreed it reinforced stereotypes and ordered an apology. Siné refused and was fired. More »

  • France Shocked by Beating of Jewish Teen

    Jun 22, 08 8:18 AM CDT
    France Shocked by Beating of Jewish Teen A Paris teenager was beaten into a coma yesterday in what Jewish groups are calling an anti-Semitic attack, the AP reports. In one account, about 15 people beat the 17-year-old, who was wearing a skullcap in eastern Paris. Authorities have detained five people for questioning, and President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for "total determination to fighting all forms of racism and anti-Semitism." More »

  • Critics Blast Sarkozy's Holocaust School Plan

    Feb 16, 08 12:53 PM CST
    Critics Blast Sarkozy's Holocaust School Plan French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sparked a new controversy: The maverick leader is  now defending his plan to have every fifth grader study a French youth killed in the Holocaust. Critics, including Jewish analysts, warn the move could traumatize students. But one historian applauded Sarkozy's "courage" and said what children "see on television or in a horror film is much worse." More »

  • Sarko Junior Makes His Political Debut

    Feb 12, 08 5:45 AM CST
    Sarko Junior Makes His Political Debut Before becoming France's hyper-president, Nicolas Sarkozy was mayor of chic Parisian suburb Neuilly-sur-Seine, the country's richest town. But only weeks before a mayoral election, his hand-picked successor has withdrawn from the race after losing a powerful supporter: Jean Sarkozy, the president's own 21-year-old son. Many are now wondering about the political ambitions of Sarkozy fils, writes the Telegraph. More »

Jean Sarkozy, the son of French president Nicolas Sarkozy, walks the streets of Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of Paris, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 21-year-old son Jean Sarkozy attends a ruling party UMP meeting on his local political situation, in Paris, Tuesday Feb.12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 21-year-old son Jean Sarkozy, center, attends a ruling party UMP meeting on his local political situation, in Paris, Tuesday Feb.12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
Jean Sarkozy, the son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, leaves a voting booth before he casts his vote, Sunday, March 9, 2008 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of Paris.   (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I'm very shocked; I ask myself where it all comes from and why I'm singled out for such treatment. People seize on a rumor to ask me about possible choices that have nothing to do with my political work. - Jean Sarkozy

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

France • Jews • Judaism • anti-Semitism • Jean Sarkozy • Neuilly-sur-Seine


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »