‘Anti-semitism in full sight in Europe’, warns Israeli president

THE Israeli president has warned that anti-semitism is “in full sight” in Europe “even for those determined not to see it”, as Jeremy Corbyn supporters attacked Labour MPS for speaking out about the abuse they suffer.

Reuven Rivlin says Jews around the world face “difficult times” and warns he looks “warily” at Europe as antisemitism appears to be increasing.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Rivlin hints the problem is made worse by the people who refuse to acknowledge it is happening.

His comments, marking the 70th anniversary of the state of Israel, came as a group of Labour MPS who spoke out against the anti-semitic abuse they have endured were hit by more horrific racism just hours after Mr Corbyn promised to stamp it out.

Although not naming Mr Corbyn or

Labour, Mr Rivlin writes: “These are difficult times in many places around the globe – perhaps no more so than in the Middle East. But today, we also look warily at Europe where the spectre of anti-semitism is not so much raising its head, but is in full sight – even for those determined not to see it.”

Ruth Smeeth, the Labour MP, this week fought back tears as she highlighted abuse she suffered, including one message which read: “Hang yourself you vile treacherous Zionist Tory filth. You are a cancer of humanity.”

But just hours later a supporter of the Labour leader tweeted “Oh, hey up, Ruth Smeeth’s stop [sic] crying long enough to do her bit in putting the boot into #Corbyn #antisemitism”.

On a closed Facebook group titled “I’m backing Jeremy Corbyn for Prime Minister”, which has nearly 24,000 members, one poster told MPS like Ms Smeeth to “grow a backbone” while a supporter of the Labour leader referred to the MPS who called out anti-semitism as “sniffling back stabbers”.

MPS including John Mann yesterday warned of a pervasive culture among some Labour members of denying people the right to speak out over fears it damages Mr Corbyn’s reputation.

Mr Corbyn posted on Twitter: “I pay tribute to MPS who spoke in yesterday’s antisemitism debate, whose harrowing experiences remind us of the urgent need to eradicate antisemitism from politics and society. There is no excuse for abuse of any kind, and I want to thank them for their bravery.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also acknowledged yesterday that Jewish people who would like to vote Labour are “finding it very difficult” because of the party’s handling of anti-semitism claims. “There is a perception their party has not dealt with problems of anti-semitism,” he said.

It came as the party suspended Jane Dipple, a Winchester University lecturer, over alleged anti-semitic social media posts.

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