Anti-semitism is anti-Labour. We’re so sorry
Murray in vow to Jewish leaders
Labour’s new Shadow Scottish Secretary has made a “heartfelt and meaningful apology” to Jewish leaders for his party’s treatment of their community.
Ian Murray, who was appointed by new leader Keir Starmer last week, is attempting to rebuild relations after years of bitter allegations of antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn.
Writing to Micheline Brannan, chair of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, and Ephr iam Borowski, director of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, he said: “Keir has made clear since being elected that rebuilding the Jewish community’ s t rust in the Labour Party will be one of his top priorities.
“The same is true for me as I approach my new role. I offer a heartfelt and meaningful apology for the appalling way the Labour Party has treated the Jewish community.
“Never again do I want any Jewish person to feel they do not have a home in the Labour Party, that they can’t trust us to do the right thing, or feel our party would make the country a more dangerous place for them. “This is the moral issue of our time in the party.”
Labour has been dogged by allegations of anti- semitism, with the party still under investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. A number of members have been removed over online comments and a divide remains between those who believe that a problem has been allowed to take hold and others who think legitimate criticism of Israeli policy has been misinterpreted as anti-semitism.
Mur ray’s let ter, which coincided with the Jewish Passover, or Pesach holiday, added: “This year, Pesach comes dur ing the coronav i rus crisis, which is presenting unprecedented challenges to people around the world.
“For many within the Jewish community in Scotland, it means spending Seder night away from your families and, for many older people, spending it alone for the first time.
“It is a bitter disappointment for many Scottish Jews who would have been looking forward to spending time with family in other parts of the UK or around the world.
“Even though we all understand the importance of following the Government’s guidance to stay home to protect our NHS and save lives, I know that this will still be upsetting for many.
“It is more important than ever that we find ways to come together virtually and make sure everyone in our community is looked after.
“I would be very keen to continue the dialogue we started last month with a Zoom call at some point over the coming weeks, to bring you up to date on how the Labour Party will be positively engaging with the Jewish community in future.”
Starmer has already been praised by Jewish leaders for achieving “in four days more than his predecessor in four years” after he held a video conference to set out Labour’s steps to stamp out anti-semitism.
He asked for all outstanding probes within the party to be “on my desk at the end of the week”.