Council stance on anti-Semitism ‘will not stifle criticism of Israel’

AJEWISH councillor revealed to colleagues he has experienced anti-Semitism as Birmingham City Council took an official stand on the issue.

Councillors gave their support to the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism in a bid to stem the rising tide of bigotry and intolerance.

The motion, tabled by Conservatives and modified by Labour coun- cillors, was in a response to the increase in anti-Jewish bigotry on social media and a rise in attacks and vandalism against individuals, businesses, synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in recent years. AntiSemitic comments have also crept into mainstream politics where the circulation of Jewish conspiracy theories and abuse has become more prominent. Labour councillor Barry Henley (Brandwood) said: “I have personally experienced anti-Semitism.” He read the famous ‘First they came...’ poem by Pastor Niemöller which highlights why it is important to speak up for persecuted groups and said that memories of the Holocaust should prompt an international response to the genocide of Rohningya Muslims in Myanmar. He also spoke to those who feared the adoption of the code could stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and said that would not be the case.

“I, for one, am a strong critic of the right-wing government in power in Israel,” he added.

Conservative front bencher Councillor Matt Bennett also spoke of the “cancer” of anti-Semitism which has been growing.

He said: “It’s up to us as leaders to stand up against hatred – to call it and make it clear it won’t be tolerated.”

The council heard that official figures showed in 2016 anti-Semitic attacks rose by a third to 1,309 recorded in the UK.

Labour Cabinet member for equalities and community safety Cllr Tristan Chatfield said he thought the “myths and stereotypes surrounding the Jewish community had been banished to the very darkest corners of the world”.

“Sadly, it appears, I was mistaken in that belief,” he added.

Members of the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign have called on the council to edit the official definition to ensure that, while racist abuse of Jews was banned, councillors and council staff could still criticise Israeli policy in Palestine.