Hate groups#EnoughIsEnough: It is time to tackle anti-Semitism in the Labor Party
Since Jeremy Corbyn was first named Labor party leader, in September 2015, there has been a growing focus on the problem of anti-Semitism in the party. Repeated cases of antisemitism from Labor Party members have not been dealt with quickly or effectively under Corbyn’s leadership and the Jewish community is now demanding action. On Monday last week, more than 1,000 members of the British Jewish community and its supporters protested in Parliament Square to tell the leader of the Labor party, Jeremy Corbyn, that Enough is Enough.
On Monday last week, more than 1,000 members of the British Jewish community and its supporters protested in Parliament Square to tell the leader of the Labor party, Jeremy Corbyn, that Enough is Enough. Since Jeremy Corbyn was first named Labor party leader, in September 2015, there has been a growing focus on the problem of anti-Semitism in the party. Repeated cases of antisemitism from Labor Party members have not been dealt with quickly or effectively under Corbyn’s leadership and the Jewish community is now demanding action.
The gathering on Monday night in Parliament Square, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, was supported by several Labor MPs, including David Lammy, Wes Streeting, Luciana Berger, Ian Austin, Chuka Umunna, Ruth Smeeth, Joan Ryan, Margaret Hodge, Louise Ellman, Liz Kendall, Stephen Kinnock, Sajid Javid, and John Mann.
Last week, Luciana Berger MP questioned why Corbyn had supported a graffiti artist, Mear One, who had been accused of painting an anti-Semitic mural in Tower Hamlets in 2012. The painting shows several bankers around a monopoly board, with images of downtrodden workers and Illuminati references. CST’s Dave Rich explains why the mural is anti-Semitic: “The mural featured six men: some Jewish and some not. How did the artist differentiate between them He gave the Jews big noses and other exaggerated facial features. This is playground antisemitism masquerading as profound insight.”
Corbyn has since expressed “sincere regret” over his comments supporting the mural’s artist.
In an open letter delivered to the Parliamentary Labor Party (PLP) on Monday evening, Jewish community leaders stated: “Again, and again, Jeremy Corbyn has sided with anti-Semites rather than Jews…When Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of the Labor Party, Jews expressed sincere and profound fears as to how such politics would impact upon their wellbeing. Our concerns were never taken seriously. Three years on, the Party and British Jews are reaping the consequences.”
