Because France contains Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities, there is bound to be friction. "Since the Jewish and Muslim communities are both the largest, it is not surprising that misinformation and lack of education can lead to anti-Semitic hate crimes in France," says Laila Al-Qatami, spokesperson for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination League.

Part of the reason why some French Jews may deny anti-Semitism in the country is because they are well-established and accepted in French society, while Muslims in France are regarded with fear and suspicion. The 5 million strong French Muslim community, with its high rates of unemployment, ghetto residences and social stigma, regards the relatively successful French Jewish community of 650,000 with intense resentment and partly explains the anti-Semitism in France.

Other factors include, of course, militant Islam practiced by some Muslims in France, and what is generally accepted as a pro-Palestinian position adopted by the French government which most French citizens either agree with or are neutral about.

France and Israel have made it clear that they want business-as-normal between their respective countries to resume. But Sharon, justifiably stubborn, still has yet to rescind his remarks. At the moment, he is simply insisting that they were misunderstood.

Is Chirac right to be so upset? I am inclined to say yes. Although I once bashed France, in the heat of pro-war anger, as rabidly anti-Semitic - actually, I did so twice - I do agree that the French government has been trying to combat anti-Semitism and, although, let me make very clear, they could do more, the steps they have taken have shown progress. France appears to take the ugly reality of anti-Semitism seriously.

Mr. Sharon should speak to Mr. Chirac and make clear his concerns. That is the only way forward in terms of resuming French-Israeli relations, as far as I can see it. Mr. Chirac should receive his apology, but Mr. Sharon should also receive the strongest possible assurance that France will continue to combat anti-Semitism.