Letters to the Editor: ‘Corbyn’s first act as PM?’
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Corbyn’s first act as PM?
“The British government, our first act in power having been to recognise the democratic state of Palestine in its ancient borders stretching from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, now publishes its policy on future relations with the Zionist Entity (“ZE”), this entity hitherto having been referred to by some as the State of Israel.
“The government regards the ZE as a racist endeavour, without legitimacy. It must cease to exist, if necessary through use of any means at our disposal.
“Any ZE or British passport holders who are found to have served in the military forces of the ZE will be subject to criminal prosecution for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“In the interests of combating hate speech, it will no longer be lawful, in either the public or the private domain, to express support for the ZE.”
Fantasy? All of it? Some of it? Think carefully about how you vote on 12 December if you are horrified by the prospect of a Corbyn-led government.
Daniel B Myers, Chigwell
It’s not a one-issue vote
We all know Labour under Mr Corbyn is anathema. We should consider, nonetheless, that having made the point for months with superb support from non-Jewish MPs and others, it might be time to ease up for the remaining weeks of the election campaign. Why?
It is very far from being uppermost in the minds of the 99 percent of the electorate whose priorities are Leave or Remain, the NHS and the economy generally. Non-Jewish friends are horrified when I give them details, but are not as aware of the issue as are we. While it is headlines in the Jewish media, it has less coverage elsewhere.
We may not do ourselves great favour by being thought to obsess on one issue when so many others, which dictate the future of the UK, are in need of solution.
Barry Hyman, Bushey Heath
Political interference?
I note that two of your letter writers last week on the subject of our general election live in Israel. How dare they interfere in our democracy? They don’t live here, pay taxes here or send their children to our army. Self-righteous indignation works both ways, you see.
Ronit Sharoni, Edgware
Target seat
It is shameful that Lib Dem staff should be subject to intimidation by members of our community, especially as the party has every right to stand and fight for any seat (Jewish News, 14 November 2019).
As a pro-Remain party, it makes sense for them to view the constituency of Finchley and Golders Green, which voted 69 percent Remain in the EU referendum as a strong target seat.
While this constituency has been a Labour/Conservative marginal during previous elections, voting loyalties are now a lot more volatile.
Richard Goorney, Bushey
Luciana’s choice aids Labour only
Two letters last week caught my eye, one applauding Luciana Berger for standing as a Lib Dem in Finchley and Golders Green, and another criticising her. If she defeats Mike Freer, a long-time friend to the community, Corbyn will be the winner. As such, Ms Berger’s choice of Finchley-Golders Green does her no credit.
Sidney Sands, N12
Planet care
Your article stated “about 52 percent of Jewish families in the UK have three or more children, compared with 31 percent of families nationwide who have more than two” (Jewish News, 7 November 2019).
Our country and our planet are seriously overpopulated, with essentials such as water, food and living space at a premium. Over- population is a major factor in climate change and the extinction of species, as well as in the pollution of air and water. The Biblical exhortation to “be fruitful and multiply” no longer applies. Surely religious and cultural considerations shouldn’t trump the environment.
Vera Lustig, Walton-on-Thames
Berger can’t count on our community
I’m sure I’m not the only one questioning the motives of Luciana Berger contesting Finchley and Golders Green. Surely she wouldn’t play on her Jewish heritage on the assumption that we Jews are so partisan that we’d vote for someone purely based on their religion?
Jeremy Zeid, Harrow
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