Top Jewish leader: Jeremy Corbyn holds anti-Semitic views
2 min read
Jeremy Corbyn holds “anti-Semitic” views which could drive Jewish people out of the UK if he wins the keys to Downing Street, a top Jewish leader has said.
Jonathan Arkush - the outgoing president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews - said the Labour leader should offer “some clarity on his real views about Israel”.
But a spokesperson for Mr Corbyn rejected the “unfounded and outrageous” personal attack and insisted the party chief was “committed” to driving anti-Semitism out of the Labour movement.
Labour has been hit by a row over anti-Jewish abuse in recent months, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and some of the party's own MPs urging Mr Corbyn to do more to tackle the problem.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Mr Arkush said the Labour leader “has views which are anti-Semitic and he has problematic views”.
He added: “His associations are clear. He is a patron of Palestine Solidarity Campaign. If you look at its logo and language, it’s quite clear its world picture has no room for Israel.
“Delegitimising the state of Israel is anti-Semitic. He was a chairman of Stop the War, which is responsible for some of the worst anti-Israel discourse.
“He has never disavowed that sentiment. Is this doublespeak? What are we supposed to think?
“If he shares the prevalent discourse about Israel, then that view is unquestionably anti-Semitic.”
But a spokesperson for Mr Corbyn shot back: “These are unfounded and outrageous personal attacks without any evidence to support them.
“Jeremy has been absolutely clear that he is a militant opponent of anti-Semitism and is committed to driving it out of our movement.
“Our party has deep roots in the Jewish community and is campaigning to increase support and confidence in Labour among Jewish people in the UK.”
The spokesperson added: “Jonathan Arkush's attempt to conflate strong criticism of Israeli state policies with anti-Semitism is wrong and undermines the fight both against anti-Semitism and for justice for the Palestinians. It should be rejected outright."
It comes after a leaked report revealed cases of anti-Semitism in Labour could be anonymised in a bid to address fears "political forces" are at play when they are investigated.
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