Background
Korsia was born in Lyon, France, to parents who had immigrated from Algeria. His father was a prominent rabbi.
Korsia was born in Lyon, France, to parents who had immigrated from Algeria. His father was a prominent rabbi.
He was elected by the Central Consistory to fill the position originally vacated by Rabbi Gilles Bernheim, the previous chief rabbi, who resigned over a scandal involving accusations of plagiarism. He defeated the interim chief rabbi, Rabbi Olivier Kaufmann, in June 2014 to begin a seven-year term as the leader of France"s Jewish community. He also acts as the Jewish chaplain of the French army.
Korsia"s role begins at a time of difficulty for the French Jewish community, the largest Jewish community in Europe.
There has been a rise in anti-Semitic activity, economic problems, increased emigration and corruption issues. He also seems to be concerned about women"s issues.
Shortly after assuming his new role, Korsia appointed Dolly Touitou to a new position responsible for addressing complaints filed against the French Jewish religious services organization. This was viewed as an egalitarian move, supportive of women"s rights, and considered "bold" in a community that is primarily Sepharidic.
Prior to 1990, women were not allowed to vote in Consistoire elections.
Women also were prohibited from standing for office themselves until 2006, when French courts struck down the prohibition. He rejected the idea that the solution in emigration or capitulation.
Quotations: “Sometimes the only way is to enter the Red Sea — to go in and rebuild a new solidarity, rebuild links between Christians, Protestant, Catholics, Muslims, and Jews, and rebuild hope,”.
Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques.