Emma Picken, spokesperson for Labour Against Antisemitism, said:
“Over this last week numerous Labour MPs have lined up to present
a biased one-sided narrative over the events occurring in
Israel/Palestine. Some tweets have been inflammatory and several
have even linked the conflict to their annual Eid message.
It is apparent that the Labour Party has no understanding of the
causes of modern-day antisemitism, especially that which rises
exponentially here in the UK whenever the Israel/Palestine
conflict escalates. With no explanation of the context and
dynamics of the complex situation, or even balance coming from
anyone in the Labour Party, it can come as no surprise that
antisemites and supporters of Labour have been emboldened to
openly demonstrate their extreme anti-Jewish racism.
The disgusting scenes in London yesterday included a Labour MP
speaking at a rally where anti-Jewish chanting was heard, and
grotesque antisemitic effigies being raised in full view of the
ex-Labour leader .
Many Jewish people in the UK witnessing these scenes are going
through extreme anxiety amid real fear of antisemitic attack.
Earlier today extremists drove around predominantly Jewish areas
of London with megaphones, shouting ‘Jews, rape their daughters’.
The failure to consider the safety of the Jewish community during
this latest escalation extends far beyond the Labour Party to
include media commentators, celebrities and even football
players. But, as elected leaders and officials, politicians have
a special duty of care to ensure community cohesion and the
security of all minorities.
At the very moment that it could have demonstrated support for
the Jewish community and introspection towards the institutional
problem of antisemitism in its ranks, the Labour Party, from its
leadership down, has failed.”
