Jewish groups condemn Jeremy Corbyn over lack of anti-Semitism apology in conference speech
2 min read
Jewish groups have accused Jeremy Corbyn of failing to adequately tackle the anti-Semitism crisis gripping Labour in his keynote party conference address.
Senior Jewish leaders said the speech was a “missed opportunity” and argued the words from the Labour boss “mean nothing” until he apologises and kicks anti-Semites out of the party.
Labour spent the summer arguing over whether to include an internationally-recognised definition of anti-Semitism in its code of conduct - something Mr Corbyn was reluctant to do.
Meanwhile, past comments by the Labour leader were seized on as evidence of his harbouring anti-Jewish sentiment. The party has been dogged by the issue since 2016.
In his conference speech in Liverpool yesterday, Mr Corbyn acknowledged that the row had “caused immense hurt and anxiety in the Jewish community” - but failed to apologise.
Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “Jeremy Corbyn’s words mean nothing until Labour takes the necessary steps to deal with anti-Semitism in its ranks.”
She said the leader must apologise and Labour must boot out anti-Semites, discipline those who deny anti-Semitism is a problem and roll out training.
“Labour cannot ‘draw a line under’ this crisis and regain any shred of confidence from the Jewish community until this takes place,” she added.
Jewish Leadership Council chief executive Simon Johnson said: “This was a missed opportunity from the Labour leader. The same words we have heard for months.”
He said there had been “no condemnation of the abuse levelled against his fellow MP’s who have questioned anti-Semitism [and] no acknowledgement that he himself might have contributed in some way to this crisis continuing”.
Mr Johnson added: “This is just the same rhetoric. Mr Corbyn had a perfect opportunity to show leadership and lay this anti-Semitism crisis to rest. He missed the chance to do so.”
'WE ARE YOUR ALLY'
Mr Corbyn said in his speech that he wanted to “draw a line under” the issue and, in a direct message to Jewish voters, he said: “This party, this movement, will always be implacable campaigners against antisemitism and racism in all its forms. We are your ally.
“And the next Labour government will guarantee whatever support necessary to ensure the security of Jewish community centres and places of worship, as we will for any other community experiencing hateful behaviour and physical attacks.
“We will work with Jewish communities to eradicate anti-Semitism, both from our party and wider society.
“And with your help I will fight for that with every breath I possess.”
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