Jews secretly met ex-leader of far-right EDL
MEMBERS OF Manchester’s Jewish community held a secret meeting with Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the far-right English Defence League.
The controversial meeting, which took place in Prestwich last week, was billed as a charity fundraiser but also saw Mr Robinson deliver a speech outlining his views on Islam.
The JC spoke to one community member who confirmed that her friends had organised the session but who said she would “take legal action” if her name was linked to the event.
Another source said the meeting with Mr Robinson, who is a former British National Party member, went on until “the early hours” of last Thursday morning.
Around a dozen people attended.
Invitations were
At charity event: Robinson extended to other community groups, including the North West Friends of Israel — but its spokesman Anthony Dennison said the group had declined the invitation.
Mr Dennison said: “We find some of Tommy Robinson’s opinions abhorrent. Unfortunately in our community there are a small number of people who are attracted his policies. “This is unacceptable and something North West Friends of Israel will never be associated with.” Jeremy Newmark, Jewish Labour Movement chairman, confirmed local activists from his organisation had been left “outraged” after learning of the event.
Mr Newmark told the JC: “No ifs, no buts, Tommy Robinson is an enemy of our community. He is part of the same political tradition as the National Front and the BNP.” Mr Robinson has long attempted to court British Jews and has travelled to Israel, proclaiming himself to be a “Zionist”.
In a statement, the Board of Deputies condemned last week’s meeting, saying: “Tommy Robinson’s record of anti-Muslim provocation means that he could never be a partner of a respectable or mainstream Jewish organisation.”
The Prestwich event raised £400 for the AmeliaMae Foundation — a charity raising funds for people affected by the neuroblastoma condition.
Manchester Jews meet ex-leader of far-right