It is a common Jewish belief, held both by secular and observant Jews, that all Jews should make aliyah and move to Israel. Ariel Sharon, the prime minister of Israel, recently incurred the wrath of French President Jacques Chirac by calling on all French Jews to emigrate. Sharon's comment, spurred on by an increase in antisemitic hostilities, provoked a sharp rebuke from Chirac. When I first read of the leaders' parley, I was appalled by Chirac's gall. How could he condemn Sharon's statement and ban the statesman from entering France until an official apology was released? I wondered how Chirac could take such personal offense to Sharon's invitation-an invitation that is regularly extended to all Jews.

I was also saddened that Chirac could not understand the impetus behind Sharon's comment. But as I thought more about the situation-about how it must feel to be in Chirac's place-I realized that I am not as steadfast in my opinions as I once was. I now find myself agreeing more and more with the French conservative.

The situation in France is a complex one whose origins stretch back many generations and hundreds of years. There have been Jews living in France as long as it has been a country, and a rich history has developed there. Though anti-Semitism has been a perpetual problem, France continues to be home to Europe's largest Jewish population.

This Jewish population is unique . In many other European countries-and indeed, around the world-Jews strive to maintain a stiff separation between themselves and their countrymen. France is different. France actively pursues the forging of a homogenous people, a French people above all else. Many of the Jews in France strongly identify themselves with their country and retain a stalwart nationalistic pride. For them, it is unthinkable to be anything but French.

On the other end of this spectrum, you have Israel-a country founded to be a homeland for all Jews, but welcoming and accepting of peoples from every corner of the earth. This melting pot brings together Asians, Americans, Europeans and more, hardening an identity centered on a common religion, and not a common history, language or culture. These things come as people are integrated into Israeli society. But walking down the streets of Israel, you'll hear as much Russian, Ethiopian and English as you will Hebrew.

The differing mind-sets of these two nations are the primary reason this conflict has occurred. Sharon sees unwarranted hate against Jews and calls for them to join their brethren in Israel; Chirac sees French being attacked and looks for answers at home.

Sharon's call to abandon France-to leave behind a different type of homeland-is a slap in the face to Chirac. I don't doubt Sharon's intentions, particularly in light of the little improvement to the alarming rise in anti-Semitic attacks in France. Sharon has an obligation as the leader of Israel to encourage Jews around the globe to live there. My issue is not over whose response, but over appropriate response.

What kind of message does it send to those instigators of anti-Semitism if French Jews leave? What announcement is broadcast to the world if these individuals turn and run at the first hint of trouble?

The history of the Jews is not a pretty one. It is one plagued with travesty and tragedy, a devastating dichotomy of despair and hope.

Historically, the Jews of France have endured much hardship and abuse, and to suggest that today's Jews should leave is an affront to those who struggled in the past for survival. To leave France would be to forsake both history and heritage, and this is something many are not eager to cast aside.

I do not deny that the cry to emigrate to Israel is compelling. Israel's genesis stems from a realization that there are many places in the world where Jews are not welcomed. Israel supplies all Jews with a place to call home should their country turn its back on them. Many perceive this as being the case in France. France, however, is not a country bent on losing its Jews. Quite the contrary, much has been done to curb anti-Semitism, and to denounce all of Chirac's efforts is a mistake. Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom has even praised France for "leading the combat against anti-Semitism."

Sharon's voice could be better served calling for support of those Jews who want to hold their ground. Sharon should encourage them to maintain their identity and denounce the atrocities committed. He should stress that Israel's borders are always open to those ready to move to Israel, though at the same time, it is critical that those people for whom it is a priority to maintain their roots be provided with the support and aid they require to survive.

When you break it down to its most basic level, both Chirac and Sharon want the same thing. Sharon is concerned with the safety and security of the Jews; Chirac is interested in the prosperity and well being of the French. Overlap exists, and the two leaders need to embrace the fact that they both yearn to help the Jews of France.