Jewish groups criticise Labour over antisemitism leaflet
The five-page document, titled No Place For Antisemitism, seeks to provide guidance on antisemitic tropes
Jewish organisations have criticised Labour over a five-page document on antisemitism produced in a bid to stamp out Jew-hate.
The leaflet, titled No Place For Antisemitism, is intended as an introduction to understanding antisemitism so it can be defeated.
It is understood Labour will launch a webpage called “No place for antisemitism” containing various materials, including the IHRA definition and its examples.
Labour say they contacted the Jewish Labour Movement, the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Community Security Trust last month asking for their views on a first draft of the document.
But the JLC refute the claim Labour asked the representative body for their views on the leaflet, saying instead that Labour sent them a copy for information.
Simon Johnson, CEO of Jewish Leadership Council, said: “We do not support this booklet in any way as it was not produced in partnership or consultation with the mainstream Jewish community or any expert in antisemitism.
“We have consistently called on the Labour Party to work with the community to implement training on antisemitism. This booklet shows that they have declined to do so.”
Meanwhile in an email to Labour general secretary Jennie Formby sent last week, Mike Katz from JLM refused to engage with the party on the document.
“Your request for our input into this educational material comes despite you having making it clear that you do not think JLM should have a role in providing training to the party, by rejecting our earlier offer to train the NEC, NCC and party staff and by seeking alternative providers without any consultation us,” he wrote.
Mark Gardner, from the CST, said: “It is misleading to imply that CST was consulted in any meaningful way regarding this leaflet, which was included in passing in a belated reply to a letter of concern that CST, JLC and the Board had jointly sent to Jenny Formby.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party is committed to developing political education to deepen understanding of antisemitism, which is rising in our society and around the world, and to provide members with the tools to identify and call out antisemitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories.
“The Labour Party has sought to consult Jewish community organisations. Jennie Formby sent a draft leaflet to the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Community and Security Trust and the Jewish Labour Movement and asked if they wished to share their views, which would have been welcome.”
The Board of Deputies have been contacted for comment.
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