Give Lansman a chance, urges JLM chair
A SENIOR Jewish Labour Movement official has defended Momentum founder Jon Lansman’s reputation in challenging antisemitism within Labour, insisting: “It must be recognised that he is not the person in overall control.”
Speaking ahead of Mr Lansman’s appearance as a panellist on three sessions at this year’s JLM one-day conference, Andrew Gilbert admitted the influential left-winger, who paved the way for Mr Corbyn’s rise the to the top of Labour, faced a probable hostile reception from many attending the September 2nd event at the JW3 Jewish community centre in Finchley Road.
“We have to recognise that Jon has decided to come to our conference in good faith,” said Mr Gilbert. “We have to afford him a comradely welcome, one that is fitting of the Labour movement. We must recognise that after speaking at Limmud in December, Jon has now decided to come back and speak to JLM at what is obviously a critical moment , only days before Labour’s NEC meet to discuss IHRA.
“He is aware that he is coming to visit us at a time when our members, our supporters, the community, have many different questions they wish to ask.
“There will be those who are seriously considering their involvement with the Labour Party — why they are still there.”
Mr Gilbert, who is chair of the JLM conference arrangements committee, has secured an impressive line-up of guest MPs and speakers for the all-day event, including Dame Margaret Hodge MP — who will appear in conversation with Guardian and JC columnist Jonathan Freedland.
Mr Gilbert said Dame Margaret is assured of a “very warm welcome” Jon Lansman: hostile reception?
from JLM supporters on the day of the event. “We want her to feel the love and support of our community towards her,” he added.
Another key event on the day will be a panel discussion on how the community plans to tackle Labour’s antisemitism moving forwards featuring Jewish Leadership Council chief executive Simon Johnson, Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl and Ivor Caplin, the new JLM chair.
Mr Gilbert says this particular panel emphasises the “unity” that can now be found amongst the three communal organisations.
He also accepted that for Mr Caplin the conference represented a “key moment” following earlier criticism of an interview he gave to LBC radio in which he criticised comments made by American historian Deborah Lipstadt.
“He is a very experienced person — and I am sure he will impress,” said Mr Gilbert.
Equally fascinating, he says, will be the panel discussion on the Experiences of Jewish Labour MPs — featuring JLM parliamentary chair Luciana Berger, President Louise Ellman and Ruth Smeeth.
“They are the real guardians for the membership of JLM,” said Mr Gilbert.
The conference will also seek to tackle the massive questions over Brexit — with Baroness Dianne Hayter, Jasmin Beckett, Richard Angell and Wes Streeting MP also featuring on a panel.
Asked for his overall hope for this year’s JLM gathering during such difficult times for supporters of the Labour Party, Mr Gilbert says: “It is really important that we redress the argument that as a community we should put all our eggs in one basket and support the Tories.
“That is total stupidity.
“We are here to fight this through and we have the support of lots of people both inside and outside the community to ensure that JLM will indeed carry on fighting this through.”
To book tickets for the event: http://www. jlm.org.uk/conference2018