Corbyn must stop anti-Semitism row

As Jewish Labour Party members in Islington North, we know from experience that our MP, Jeremy Corbyn, respects and values minority communities here, including our Jewish one.

We are dismayed by the unbalanced reporting of allegations of antiSemitism against Jeremy, made ahead of the local elections.

We believe this partly results from his legitimate criticism of Israel’s cruel and racist treatment towards its Palestinian and Bedouin people.

This is because one definition of anti-Semitism includes criticism of the Israeli state as racist. We reject that definition. Indeed, many Israelis criticise the actions of their state.

Any genuine anti-Semites and racists among the 600,000 members of the Labour Party should be challenged and, if necessary, expelled.

We dissociate ourselves from the accusations of anti-Semitism made against Jeremy by the Board of Jewish Deputies and some Labour MPs and confirm our confidence and support for him as an MP and as a future prime minister of this country.

Jenny Kassman, Finsbury Park

Branch, and 16 others

It’s good that Labour is finally taking anti-Semitism seriously, although they need to do more. There’s no place in progressive politics for those who deny the Holocaust, believe in a Jewish conspiracy, or who think Israel should be wiped off the map. The two-state solution is the only one that holds any hope for the future of the Middle East. Anti-Semi- tism does the Palestinian cause no favours and it detracts attention away from the recent disproportionate actions of the Israeli state that left 16 dead at the Gaza border.

Brett Grainger, Rugeley, Staffs

It’s correct to say that such a serious issue as anti-Semitism is far too important to use for political point-scoring. However, most of the attacks and anger at Corbyn’s attendance at the Jewdas event have come from his own side.

It beggars belief that this man can be so insensitive to public disgust at his perceived failings at rooting out the members in his party who hold such abhorrent views as to then attend such an event at this sensitive time. The Conservatives have absolutely nothing to worry about while he is leader.

Elaine Patrick, Cyffylliog, Ruthin

I’ve been a Labour Party member for over 50 years and have always fought against racism and intolerance. My father was in the RAF in the Second World War and put his life on the line to fight fascism.

I wouldn’t be in the Labour Party if I thought its values had changed. Like him or not, Corbyn is man of principle and has always fought against injustices of any kind.

Paul Atkins, Burntwood, Staffs

I don’t think Jeremy Corbyn needs to apologise for having a meal with Jewdas. It doesn’t mean he agrees with their views. Why do people think anti-Semitism is only in the Labour Party?

Denys Hall, Newark, Notts

If Labour members sort out the problems with anti-Semitism for good and can show the electorate they are sincere in what they do to address fears, I think this smear strategy could well backfire for the Tories at local election time.

Michael Elias, Carmarthen