Bailing out of Labour

Regarding “UK MPs, Jewish orgs back Labour splinter group” (February 19), these seven Labour MPs who resigned from the party in part due to “institutional antisemitism” are right-thinking people leaving on a raft from a sinking ship. The emperor is no longer wearing any clothes and must be outed at every opportunity.

Because the leaders of the Labour Party headed by Jeremy Corbyn are a group of long-standing Marxists and Trotskyites, those with consciences will take the leap. Those who stay must suffer the consequences, along with the rest of the UK population should the nightmare occur of a Corbyn-led Labour government coming to power.

The 21st-century UK is calling for a new path in politics, let’s hope this the start of the journey.

On a somewhat related topic, following comments regarding the role of Poles in the Shoah, their prime minister has decided he will not be present at the forthcoming summit in Israel.

No doubt the truth hurts. STEPHEN VISHNICK Tel Aviv

While Melanie Phillips “The unique disorder of hatred now destroying the Left” (February 14), is right about the antisemitism that has taken root in the current UK Labour Party, the far-Right is not immune from peddling hatred of the Jew. It is the only platform on which they are aligned, even if one side calls it antisemitism and the other anti-Zionism. To the Left, Jews are capitalists; to the Right, Jews are communists.

There is Jew and Israel hatred in other UK political parties besides Labour. My feeling is that they are cleverly staying quiet, waiting for the demise of Corbyn’s flock. If only dismissing vocal antisemites from public office, which Phillips recommends, could cure that centuries-old disease.

The Catholic Church is grounded on antisemitism and still has much to be criticized for in their preaching, especially at their Easter mass, which, until very recently – and then only bowing to pressure from Jewish authorities – they supposedly diluted it to make it more acceptable. Martin Luther’s hatred and preaching against Jews was vehement and limitless, influencing countless followers to adopt his beliefs even to today. The Gospel of John, too, is known to be a foundation for antisemitism and its teachings have greatly influenced Christian believers. The evangelists have their proselytizing agenda for the Jews they profess to love.

It is surely Christianity that is the foundation, has the responsibility and is to blame for much of the antisemitism in the non-Moslem world. LEILA CUMBER London