When Palm Beach County bakery counts Trump family as a client, is cake any less sweet?
He's also quite possibly the world's only chef with an ownership stake in a professional sports team — The Chicago Hounds Rugby Club.
Raised in Florida, his star rose when he became Oprah's personal chef.
Before that life-changing position, he worked in the governor's mansion cheffing for Bob Graham. For 16 years, he cooked at the Celebration of Reading events in honor of Jeb Bush's mom, FLOTUS Barbara Bush, a champion of literacy.
More than a decade ago, I asked Smith if he ever had any issues cooking for opposing sides of the aisle.
He replied that 'fried chicken takes no sides.'
He greatly admires both former governors and said last week how, 'Every party may have a candidate we agree with, but we must never forget as humans that we shouldn't not lose the engagement of eating together.'
I was reminded of this 'Artism' recently when hearing from readers and friends about my story on Southern Belle's Cakery in North Palm Beach, whose deliciously nuanced (and trademarked) Sissy Cake is not just my current obsession but also earned rave reviews from my newsroom colleagues.
The Cakery's gorgeous signature grab-and-go gateaux (French for cakes) are popular with local moms; I serendipitously had a chance to indulge in a slice the day before meeting owners Jamie and Joey Fago because a lovely cake mixing fresh and iced flowers was served at a family birthday party.
The story also featured photographs and a video of cakes admired by President Donald J. Trump's inner circle, including a birthday cake for daughter Tiffany and Santa's Maga hat cake at Mar-a-Lago as posted on Instagram by Donald Trump Jr. The couple behind the Cakery told me their shop supplied 2,000 cookies to the private club on election eve.
And that's when things got tricky.
One reader was very excited to learn about the bakery until she "read further regarding ANY association with Trump. You can let the owner know that I and none of my friends will be patronizing this bakery.'
She added, 'I am always interested in learning more about new places to eat, especially a local bakery. I feel bad about making this about politics, but in view of the current political climate and my own personal beliefs, I find it very difficult to knowingly support any business which has any involvement with or shows support of our current President.'
It wasn't just readers; I also got staredowns and headshakes from a few friends.
Personally, I think it's bananas not to shop for best-in-class product, especially when price points are comparable to Publix and other markets.
You won't find any promotions of the political kind on Southern Belle's Cakery social media sites, just gorgeous treats to pickup or pre-order.
The only thing tangentially nodding to a 230-year-old political statement is a model of French Queen Marie 'let them eat cake' Antoinette holding a Sissy Cake, whose intricate details require pre-ordering.
Not unlike a typical family's Thanksgiving table, where different points of view often come into conversation, Smith said delicious food can create a common thread that brings us together.
'Hunger is the root of most problems in our world, and the lack of love prepared and served with it.'
He also said we all need reminders that life can be sweet.
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer, fresh from two years at the Naples Daily News. If you have any news tips about the local dining scene, please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County bakery makes custom cakes, cookies for Trump family
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
29 Cool TikTok Products That Deserve Your Attention
Wonderskin's transfer-proof lip stain I'm sure you've seen an influencer or two pop on their lips in the beginning of a "get ready with me" that initially left you thinking, "What on earth?!" Sure, it looks a little wacky for a minute, but when you wipe it off, it leaves a gorgeous stain that'll last for up to 10 hours of yapping, snacking, and puckering. A fan-fave Biodance hydrating overnight mask because everyone's skin needs a little TLC, and there's nothing quite like waking up feeling hydrated and refreshed. It's packed with special forms of hyaluronic acid and collagen that penetrate more deeply to maximize product absorption, and you can even *see* it get to work as the sheet becomes transparent. Not only will you look glowy and moisturized, but this mask can help refine enlarged pores, enhance skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A six-pack of soda can lids with straws because everything just tastes better through a straw, *and* these are reusable, so no need to feel sorry for the turtles. And BTW, I'm not sure if you've ever thought about it, but do you really know where that can's lid has been before you put your lips on it? That *icky* thought kinda ruins the most satisfying and crispy "ahhh" after the first sip. A hands-free neck fan to answer your sweaty prayers during those hotter months when your office's AC keeps breaking down. And since this is blade-free, you can finally wear your hair down at the amusement park and not risk it getting caught in the fan. It offers 360-degree airflow to keep your entire neck and face cool — and did I mention it can run up to 16 hours?? A flower vase puzzle for any jigsaw masters who never shy away from a challenge. And the *ultimate* reward for finishing this 160-piece puzzle: Now you'll have the coolest conversation starter (and best bragging opportunity) just sitting in your living room. A bag of Drizzilicious mini rice cakes for anyone who might have a bit of an *insatiable* sweet tooth and loves to try a hot new goodie. These mini rice cakes allow you to relish some of the ultimate sweet treat flavors — like birthday cake and French toast — without leaving the comfort of your home. Bonus points: These yummy bites are made with quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds! Or a bag of Swedish candy mix because people on TikTok cannot get enough of the uniquely soft "Bubs" and mouthwatering sour skulls. I can't tell you how many times I've drooled over these delicious-looking bites through my phone! Reviewers say these have a fluffier texture and more natural flavor than American candy. A shower lamp allowing you to have a main character moment in your shower under ~moody~ lighting while you process something deep. It's water resistant and rechargeable, so you can finally have the most elite shower setup without worrying about causing a spark show. A Stanley cup snack tray that'll pair perfectly with your emotional support water bottle that you can't bear to leave the house without. Now there's no need to *ever* leave, because you can spend every night cuddled up with your Stanley and some good 'ol refreshments while catching up on your favorite show. And with four separate compartments, you can keep your sweet and salty snacks from ~mingling~, because there's no talking during this screening. A sheep toilet paper roll holder because everyone's gotta have an extra roll or two of TP so you don't get into any sticky situations. I'll spare you from any baaaaa-d I guess not. Laneige's Neo blurring powder, which has been popping up on everyone's feeds for a good reason — this powder can smooth the appearance of your skin, blur pores, AND absorb oil! The compact design makes it so easy to pop in your bag and bring with you for any on-the-go touch-ups, taking away the day's grease but never your ✨ glow.✨ An adorable ballet slipper makeup pouch to keep all of your random free-floating lippies in your purse accessible — and so you don't throw *another* gloss in your bag because you can't remember if you left one in there. If you have a ballerina in your life, this would be a cute (and definitely not ~pointe~less) gift to keep them organized! A "flossing" toothbrush in case you can't remember to floss as frequently as you tell your dentist you do at your cleanings — this toothbrush has ultra-thin "floss" bristles that can get out all those bits of broccoli to help cover for your more forgetful nights. Your shiny, clean teeth will approve of the message "Work smarter, not harder." A self-heating ice cream scoop, because it's a universal experience: You set the ice cream out to thaw about 10 minutes before you want to actually have somehow, it's still frozen solid, and you're getting tempted to just microwave it. This scoop heats up when you press the button to make ice cream scooping as easy as pie — ooooh, that would be good with this vanilla bean! A "Gracula" garlic crusher for anyone with a sophisticated palate who has never even considered mumbling the phrase, "That's too much garlic." Now your fingers won't smell like your fave aromatic for days after chopping because this crusher will do all your mincing quickly! And in case you're always caught daydreaming about the Salvatore brothers while meal prepping, well, at least you can now blame it on your vampire garlic chopper. A tea bag that steeps a sipping broth for when you're nursing a cold (or a hangover) and the only thing you can stomach is some broth, but you definitely don't have enough energy to cook anything. Just pop this bag into a mug, add some hot water, and let it steep like you would your morning cuppa — but just remember this flavor is savory beef and not English breakfast. A bottle of classic whip sunscreen infamous on TikTok for leaving viewers confused over why someone would rub whipped cream all over their face and body. It may *look* like the topping of a strawberry shortcake, but it actually has SPF 30 and is water resistant for 30 minutes! This sunscreen will leave you feeling moisturized (but not oily) *and* smelling like coconut and banana while you lay out. A Beachwaver rotating curling iron for anyone who's struggled for years to nail that perfect loose curl and has seen little to no success (plus a few neck burns). Just clamp a section of hair into the Beachwaver, press the button to rotate, and release the wave! It's so much easier than a traditional curler, since this gadget will perfectly wrap up your locks so you don't have to bend your elbow and crane your neck. A Bounce Curl hair brush with a grooved design that helps separate and smooth curls so you have one less step in your hair routine — just twist the brush's grooves into your wet curls to create well-defined clumps without any frizz. Reviewers say they were *shocked* by how it glided through their hair like butter and left their curls looking so pretty. Now every day can be a good hair day! A copy of Burn After Writing that'll have you tapping into your secret pyromaniac side. This journal is designed for you to let it all out, then burn all evidence after the like you're gonna plead the fifth. Many reviewers say this provoked some very thoughtful reflections, so it's a great addition if you're seeking self-growth and contemplation in whatever era of life you're in. A cozy and calming coloring book in case you're in need of a fun new outlet to help relax and destress from your long day, because nap time and coloring shouldn't just be activities for children. Whip out this book anytime you want to "ignore reality," like when it's time to start applying for jobs or that flight anxiety is really getting to ya. A set of darling hair-tie bracelets because we all know the pain of wanting to put your hair up but you don't have an elastic on you. These'll just look like a cute bracelet matching your 'fit instead of an ugly black band that clashes; plus, reviewers say the hold is strong (without being damaging) and great for both thin *and* thick hair! Oxo's rapid coffee brewer for anyone who craves an ice-cold java in the morning, at lunchtime, and maybe even can't afford to keep buying them out. This machine can make delicious, strong cold brew in just FIVE minutes so you can enjoy within the comfort of your home. And psst — some reviewers say they like it even more than their trusty AeroPress, so savings galore! A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker that'll turn any frozen fruit of your choice into a silky smooth sorbet-like treat to satisfy every sweet tooth around. And since you can control all the ingredients that go in, it's perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or picky eaters. OK chef! An adorable hanging crochet plant in case your car is in need of a touch of personality before you officially name it — just know if it's a white Volkswagen Beetle with the number 53 on the side, its name is already Herbie and you've got a new Lindsay Lohan movie to watch. A pack of flat claw clips in case you're sick of not being able to sit in any chair with a headrest comfortably while wearing a regular claw clip. This slides horizontally into your hair and is rounded to cradle the back of your head, so feel free to thank me for the rec after your next comfy recline. A leakproof and insulated golf tumbler to keep track of your golf score by twisting tallies for total score, strokes per hole, greens in regulation, and fairways hit. Whether you came to get some chipping practice in on your day off or you're just there to drive the cart and drink transfusions, now you can easily keep track of your game. A clever electric lighter with a long, bendy neck so you don't burn yourself while attempting to light those 100 birthday candles for grandma you thought were a good idea. This lighter can be used up to 600 times on a single charge — that's a lot of candles. And finally, a cat-shaped heating pad just purrrrrfect for the days your back is aching, or you woke up with the best monthly surprise and need a little muscle relaxation. The soft, plush kitty is filled with flaxseed and lavender to help calm and comfort you as you stream your comfort show... 🎶 "So no one told you life was gonna be this way." 🎶
Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
43 Items To Transform Your Home Into A Personal Haven
A wearable blanket with a hood and a front pocket so you can snuggle cozily as you read about the detective getting closer and closer to solving the murder that has plagued his entire career. Yeah, you're gonna need the extra comfort when that plot twist finally gets revealed. A plush shag duvet cover lined with soft velvet on the bottom, so you'll be cozier than you ever thought possible, no matter which side of the blanket you decide to snuggle under. Your bed will basically be a ~comfy haven~. A set of three flameless flickering candles so you can have the perfect ambiance without fretting about leaving an open flame near your favorite books. You can choose a steady glow or a flicker effect to really set the cozy ambiance for your night at home, curled up on the couch reading your favorite novel by the "flame." A sunrise alarm clock because it's so similar to the viral Hatch alarm clock, but will end up saving you hard-earned moolah. This little device simulates the sunrise (a big win for basement dwellers), and it functions as a night-light (with color-changing options), an alarm clock, and a white noise machine so that you can get a peaceful night's sleep. A sleek, whisper-quiet air purifier so you're not having to pick up a duster every single week (which totally messes with your relaxation time, dammit). This machine has a HEPA filter, so it'll help collect the rogue dust, pollen, and pet dander that your mom keeps finding clumps of in the corner of your room after you literally just cleaned. A mini projector with a 200-inch projection screen and built-in stereo speakers to turn your home into a personal movie theater. Now, you don't have to brave crowds or *shudders* other people just to comfortably watch your favorite Disney movie on the big screen. Oh yeah, your home just became the talk of the whole neighborhood. A cool bed tray so you never have to leave your bed to clock into your WFH job. It even has a convenient little side pocket so you can put your pens, phone, and notebook away when not in use. This is perfect for the times you wanna cocoon yourself into your sheets all day long. A hand-poured soy wax candle with an enticing brown sugar cinnamon scent — you'll feel like you're living in a cozy little French bakery. And a dreamy, dimmable candle-warmer lamp to enjoy the cozy vibe and aroma of your fave candle without fretting over the possibility of falling asleep with an open flame. It has a built-in timer, and it'll be a cute addition to your home decor! A Bluetooth-enabled record player perfect for any old-school music lover out there. This is truly the 🎶best of both worlds🎶 since you can dust off and play your long-since-used vinyls, but you can also connect it to your phone and play the latest hits from your playlist. Plus, it comes in such cute colors, so you're def gonna find a shade that matches your whole ~vibe~. A set of insulated blackout curtains to protect your room from the bane of your slumber existence: heat, light, and noise. Parents have even claimed that it's helped their toddlers sleep for longer! You're basically gonna feel like Sleeping Beauty with these. A string light curtain you can layer with some sheer curtains so your room can look like a cozy wonderland. These will really set the ambiance and make every night at home a ✨fancy✨ one — you won't ever want to leave the house. A tea sampler box with up to eight different flavors (48 bags total!!!) so you can have the proper warm cuppa when you're spending a night cozying up at home. These have both caffeinated *and* decaffeinated options, so you can have the perfect, flavorful brew no matter the time of day. And an electric gooseneck kettle that is both pretty, practical, and oh-so-similar to the fast-boiling Fellow Stagg kettle. This has five easy-to-use temperature presets to get the perfect amount of heat, perfect for making that pristine brew you're so reliant on, and a gooseneck design that allows you to control the flow of water more precisely. AND it even keeps water warm for up to an hour?!?! Tea connoisseurs, beware, you're bound to fall in love at the very sight of this kettle. Some silicone soup cubes so you can freeze up perfectly proportioned nightly dinners in bulk, and always have a cozy meal ready to go. Meal prep just got a whole lot easier — this tray can store soups, stews, sauces, and more. A silicone popcorn maker to elevate your home movie nights by delivering gourmet-level popcorn straight to your eager hands. Say bye-bye to the days of having to buy expensive pre-made, store-bought popcorn, and hello to kernel customization! *AND* you can't forget the ~cult-favorite~ popcorn salt because the taste of movie theatre popcorn is elite, and you want that same buttery-salty-goodness without having to actually exit your home. Netflix movie nights just got a whole lot better. A roll of LED strip lights so your simple Netflix movie nights turn into a cinematic experience Every. Single. Time. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" you can place on your couch to hold all of your most important movie night snacks and drinks. It has expandable cup holes to perfectly fit everything from your favorite mug to your remotes that are always getting lost, as well as an insulating foam that keeps your drinks cool or hot for longer periods. A Bluetooth galaxy light projector to create the perfect ambiance and transport you to a galaxy far, far away. This device combines an Aurora projector, night light, Bluetooth speaker, and white noise machine all into one. Why limit yourself to plain painted walls when your house can be transformed into the perfect oasis? Or a sunset lamp that can cast a warm glow around your room and make it feel like you're watching the rays of that precious sunset all day long. This is the true definition of a cozy ~aesthetic~. A splurge-worthy towel warmer because you deserve the spa feel of having a warm towel draped over your face while you relax, especially on those days when going to an actual spa is just not in the cards, and you really need some extra pampering. A swoon-worthy plush blanket that many reviewers say is just as good as the popular (and much pricier) Barefoot Dreams one. It's incredibly comfortable, supremely soft, and completely aesthetically pleasing (so it won't throw off your home decor at all). Or a bestselling cotton weighted blanket if you wanna cocoon yourself on your couch and never ever leave again. It contains cooling glass beads for enhanced temperature regulation, so you can have the comfort of the weight without getting too hot. Or a giant 10x10 blanket the whole family can snuggle under, so you're not playing tug-of-war for the fluffy comfort that only a supremely cozy blanket like this can provide. A set of electric logs so your home can be as cozy as Christmas morning — even on a random summer day. It produces *actual heat*, and even has a realistic crackle sound that is sure to transport you to the depths of a cozy haven. Or a more modern wall-mounted electric fireplace to bring warmth, comfort, and serious cottage vibes to your home without having to shell out thousands on actually building a chimney. It has various brightness and flame speed options, as well as 12 color options for the flames and flame bed, touch screen buttons, and a remote control — so you never need to leave the warm spot you've claimed on the couch to switch up the customization options. A 3-in-1 convertible "reading chair" you can curl into at the end of the day with your favorite book and cup of hot cocoa. It has an outlet so you can charge your Kindle before it dies in the middle of a great chapter, a side pocket you can use to stash all your fave snacks, hidden storage in the bottom to hold your coziest blanket, AND it pulls into a full sleeper bed so you can reach ultimate levels of relaxation! A pair of cooling pillowcases so you don't overheat in the middle of the night and wake up covered in buckets of sweat. You'll feel like you're living in a 5-star hotel because they are that comfortable. An Ember temperature-control smart mug for slow sippers who don't feel like getting up every 30 minutes to warm up their coffee for the millionth time. Sit back, relax, and don't fret about remembering to turn off the heat pad before going to sleep — it'll automatically turn off based on motion detection! An Amazon Echo Dot because it'll basically be your personal assistant. As you lounge like a royal on your couch, it'll answer almost any random questions you have, look up the weather, play music, turn on your podcast, set up reminders, and even adjust your schedule. An arc floor lamp to set the perfect mood lighting without you needing to turn on the harsh, super bright overhead light. This will create the ideal ambiance for you to sink into your rom-com book — you're just about to get to the best part... the fake dating might actually turn real! Some extra foamy bubble bath because, although you're an adult, you deserve some foamy bubbles too! It's been a long work week, so sink into a warm lavender chamomile bath to help nourish your skin and calm your mind. And if it has the extra perk of being able to play with some bubbles? Well, that's just a win-win! And a waterproof bamboo bathtub tray with ample space so you can place down your favorite novel, your glass of wine, or even some snacks as you enjoy your night of relaxation. *AND* a wineglass holder perfect for holding that cup of red so you can feel as luxurious as Frasier Crane, leaning back and enjoying his specially curated bubble bath. A beginner-friendly Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit — in other words, a smart garden so you can grow the plants you've always wanted, even if you live in a teensy tiny (and somewhat gloomy) apartment. You can select grow pods for cilantro, basil, lavender, wild strawberries, thyme, chili peppers, and more! A color-changing essential oil diffuser and humidifier perfect for surrounding yourself with your favorite calming scents like jasmine, lavender, or citrus. It has color-changing lights (perfect ambiance!), different mist modes, and an auto-shutoff feature. This can help with relieving stress, improving sleep, or even improving your skin by adding moisture to the air! A bestselling cooling full-body pillow to bring you the comfiest night of sleep, whether you're pregnant or not! This will help give you the support you need, so you don't spend all night tossing and turning, trying to contort your body into the perfect angle. A soundproofing strip so you can fully immerse yourself in your own lil' world, without having to hear your ridiculously loud neighbors every single time you try to get some shut-eye. A decorative rainbow window film to stick onto a window for a kaleidoscope of color and light bursting into your room. This will grant you an extra layer of privacy and make your space feel like a glittery, magical haven. An ultra-soft faux fur rug so that the first thing you step on every single morning is plush, soft coziness. And the greatest part is that it doesn't shed, so you don't need to worry about white fuzz getting everywhere. Light-dimming stickers to dim those surprisingly distracting little lights on the electronics in your room. Who knew a tiny blinking light could disturb one's sleep so much? A magnetic screen door with durable polyester mesh fabric to keep the creepy crawlies out, while still allowing fresh air to circulate through your home. Finally, you're gonna be able to feel the breeze without also suffering mosquito bites.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
France and Saudis vow to keep up momentum for 'two-state solution' to Israel-Palestinian conflict
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — After decades of inaction and frozen negotiations, the issue of an independent Palestinian state living in peace with Israel returned to the spotlight at a high-level U.N. conference — and France and Saudi Arabia, which spearheaded the effort, are determined to keep up the momentum. But hurdles for a two-state solution that would see Israel living side-by-side with an independent Palestine are very high. War in Gaza — a crucial part of a hoped-for Palestinian state — drags on with escalating violence in the West Bank, the other main component. And Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government vehemently oppose an independent Palestinian state, which the Israeli leader says would be a reward for terrorism after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks against his country. Nonetheless, after eight decades of conflict between Israel and Palestinians, pressure is growing for a two-state solution, as last week's high-level U.N. conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia demonstrated — even if it was boycotted by Israel and its close ally, the United States. The conference illustrated that many believe a political solution is possible The French U.N. ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont, conceded in an Associated Press interview that without a Gaza ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid for over 2 million Palestinians sliding toward famine, 'it will be extremely difficult to move forward to define a new way of administering Gaza as part of Palestine' – and he said these are priority issues. But the conference demonstrated that a majority of the U.N.'s 193 member nations are 'convinced that there is a possibility of a political solution," he said, and that is "what its follow-up will continue to promote.' About 160 of the U.N.'s 193 member nations participated, 125 spoke in support of a two-state solution (forcing the meeting into an unexpected third day), and between 40 and 50 were represented by a government minister. An independent state of Palestine is recognized by over 145 countries, and the meeting sparked new pledges of recognition by three of the seven members of the powerful Group of Seven — France, United Kingdom and Canada — as well as Malta. A statement by seven others, including Australia, New Zealand, Finland and Portugal, expressed 'positive consideration' of following suit. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farham are determined not to let the spotlight fade. They are planning 'an event' during the annual gathering of world leaders at the General Assembly, which starts Sept. 23, when the new pledges are expected to be officially announced. The conference was notable for being co-chaired by an Arab and Western nation, and for setting up eight working groups with diverse chairs to make proposals on key issues for a two state solution — security for Israel and an independent Palestine, political reforms, legal problems, humanitarian assistance, economic development and Gaza reconstruction, to name some. The result was a seven-page 'New York Declaration.' The French and Saudi foreign ministers sent the declaration, with a lengthy annex of recommendations from the working groups, to all 193 U.N. members and asked them to endorse it by early September, before the world leaders' gathering. The declaration, which also was endorsed by the European Union and Arab League, urges Israel to commit to a Palestinian state, and urges further recognitions as 'an essential and indispensable component of the achievement of the two-state solution.' The declaration contains some stronger language For the first time, the Arab League's 22 member nations condemned 'the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians' in southern Israel on Oct. 7, and agree that 'Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.' It sets out a plan to then move to an independent, demilitarized Palestine, including deployment of a U.N. Security Council-mandated 'temporary international stabilization mission' supported by the Palestinian Authority. It would protect civilians, help build support for a Palestinian state and its security forces, and provide 'security guarantees for Palestine and Israel.' Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's U.N. director, gave French President Emmanuel Macron credit 'for raising the level of ambition for the conference,' and helping make it 'more symbolically significant than many diplomats expected.' The meeting gave weighty states including France, Britain and Canada the opportunity 'to signal their discontent with Israeli policy,' he said, and it gave Palestinians seeking a peaceful road to statehood 'some political ammunition." Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who hosted a Hamas delegation in Istanbul last week to discuss Gaza's humanitarian crisis and stalled ceasefire talks, noted growing global support for the Palestinians and a Palestinian state — and Israel's increasing isolation. Bonnafont, the French ambassador, had messages for Israel's opponents and Israelis seeking more territory. 'We say to those who are hostile to Israel, the way to peace is certainly not to deny the right of existence to Israel. This is the way to perpetual war,' Bonnafont said. 'And the real way to defend the Palestinians is to give them a state, and the only way to give them a state is a two-state solution — and we have demonstrated concretely that this solution exists and is feasible.'
