Corbyn and Chanukah

I disagree with Miriam Shaviv’s view that Jeremy Corbyn should not be invited to light a chanukiah outside the remit of the Labour party or only have connections via official channels.

It is appropriate for Jewish organisations to invite their local MP. In this case, it is even more significant as we need to respect his position as Leader of the Opposition and potential future prime minister. While I find his stance on antisemitism in the Labour party weak and ineffective, by showing respect we may be able to build a more positive relationship with him. It is not just important for the future, but shows us Jews as respectful of the political system that we have.

As for sources of antisemitism, can this paper look beyond Corbyn’s Labour party? Your paper rarely focuses on the link between the rise in antisemitism, and extreme economic and social inequality. The source is not Corbyn but years of Conservative austerity policies. Most of the Jewish heartlands have been protected from the impact of the policies, but people across the country are angry.

Theresa May and David Cameron’s support of Israel and Jewish organisations is without doubt, but the impact of their policies has allowed antisemitism to rear its head. This has been inflamed by an ill-conceived Brexit vote which has made this government the most nationalist in decades. This does not happen in societies at ease with themselves. Gordon Kay, Brighton, BN1