MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks onstage during an election campaign event at the O2 Apollo Manchester on November 7, 2019 in Manchester, England. Earlier in the day, the Labour leader unveiled the parties’ new campaign bus, emblazoned with the slogan ‘It’s Time for Real Change’. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) The Jewish Chronicle (JC) published a Nov. 8 editorial on their front page advocating non-Jews to vote against Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn for prime minister in the Dec. 12 elections.
The editorial noted that 87% of British Jews believe that Corbyn is an anti-Semite and nearly 47% said they would leave Britain if Corbyn is elected prime minister.
“[Corbyn] has described organizations like Hamas, whose founding charter commits it to the extermination of every Jew on the planet, as his ‘friends,’” the editorial stated. “He has laid a wreath to honor terrorists who have murdered Jews. He has insulted ‘Zionists’ — the word used by anti-Semites when they mean ‘Jew’ because they think it allows them to get away with it — as lacking understanding of ‘English irony.’”
The editorial added that as the leader of the Labour Party, Corbyn has “emboldened” anti-Semites.
“Instead of listening to and learning from mainstream Jewish bodies such as the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council, Mr. Corbyn has treated them and their recommendations with contempt — and given support to fringe organizations set up solely to deny the existence of Labour anti-Semitism,” the editorial states.
The JC decided to write the editorial because they felt as though “anti-Semitism in the Labour Party” has become “an afterthought” in the political discussion leading up to the election.
“How can the racist views of a party leader — and the deep fear he inspires among an ethnic minority — not be among the most fundamental of issues?” the editorial states.” That is why we are seeking your attention. If this man is chosen as our next prime minister, the message will be stark: that our dismay that he could ever be elevated to a prominent role in British politics, and our fears of where that will lead, are irrelevant.”
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted, “An incredibly harrowing front page in the @JewishChron as UK prepares for its upcoming election. It’s no secret that @jeremycorbyn is an unrepentant anti-Semite. The question is how British voters will vote when they head to the polls on Dec 12th.”
An incredibly harrowing front page in the @JewishChron as UK prepares for its upcoming election. It's no secret that @jeremycorbyn is an unrepentant anti-Semite. The question is how British voters will vote when they head to the polls on Dec 12th. pic.twitter.com/sln026BaDv
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) November 7, 2019
The American Jewish Committee tweeted, “This should be required reading for all British citizens, regardless of background. But we encourage U.S. Jewish newspapers to reprint it and for all Americans to read it, as well. What is happening in the UK is a cautionary tale for us all.”
Yes, this should be required reading for all British citizens, regardless of background.
But we encourage U.S. Jewish newspapers to reprint it and for all Americans to read it, as well.
What is happening in the UK is a cautionary tale for us all.https://t.co/tz6O7dxLcF
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) November 7, 2019
At least 10 Labour Party members have resigned in 2019, many of whom said it was due to Corbyn’s enabling of anti-Semitism in the party. Labour Deputy Tom Watson, who had been a staunch critic of Corbyn, resigned on Nov. 6, although he said his resignation was “personal, not political.”
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.