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Anti Semitism in Labour Party and Universities.

(631 Posts)

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POGS Thu 17-Mar-16 12:12:56

I am raising this as a separate conversation although it has been mentioned on another thread re the Muslim Female Councillors and reports of Mysogyny.

It is worrying to know Anti Semitism is reportedly rising in the UK . When a Political Party is facing accusations of Anti Semetism that becomes a major issue. Now my comment will be challenged but I for one have been asking how such blatent cases of Anti Semitism are being allowed in the UK. We have laws to handle it but they are not being used, why? I will most certainly be happy to say that I do not believe for one minute the majority of Labour MP's nor voters are Anti Semetic, quite the reverse, but is it time voices spoke out against Anti Semitism or at least understood it is an issue within some parts of the Labour Movement.

I have noticed this tendancy from certain Labour MP's and groups they belong to for many years but they were always under the radar and not thought 'influencial' enough, however times have changed. Labour run councils have used Anti Semetic behaviour over issues such as Flying the Palestinian Flag over Tower Hamlets , Calls for boycotting of Israeli goods, banning Jewish films etc. etc.

There is no doubt more interest being taken by the media over such matters and there are calls for Corbyn to show leadership over the actions of the Labour Party activism at Oxford University , indeed something is going radically wrong with our universities full stop an entire thread could be dedicated to that topic alone. I am not talking of racist tweets such as those made by MP's such as Dianne Abbot , Helen Goodman et al. Whilst they are relevant it would just dissolve into a tit for tat fest of he said she said to the left and right of politics. There are idiots in all party's !

I am not , and some will not believe a word of what I am about to say, trying to score a political point. I take my hat off to those Labour MP's who are speaking openly about this problem and calling for action from their Leader. This is not some right wing rag hyperbol taking place but there is something of a 'menacing ' tendency in some quarters of the Party and I hope those MP's who are doing their damnedest to openly stop it's progression do not fail or as some have eluded to run the risk of deselection for speaking out, that's another thread story too.

Venus Tue 22-Mar-16 17:25:45

I would add that I'm deeply proud to be British, I wear the red poppy with pride and love a rousing chorus of the National Anthem. In synagogues on a Saturday morning service, we say a prayer for the continued health and protection of the Royal family.

Yet while Jeremy Crobyn leads the Labour Party, there is much to make Britain's Jewish community feel troubled.

nigglynellie Tue 22-Mar-16 17:25:46

Oh dear, having said that I wouldn't join in , here I am again! I've never actually met anyone who is anti Jewish, or heard any conversation of that nature, and I have tried to see the whole situation from a balanced point of view. While supporting Israel as a homeland for Jews, I do accept that Israel does at times, go too far in matters of defence. (You could say!) Having said that, it does hidiously, keep a fragile peace, in exactly the same way as Sadam in Iraq, Gadaffi in Libya, Assad in Syria, the army in Egypt. This is only my opinion, and I certainly don't agree with these strong arm methods, but nothing else seems to work. What the answer is I really don't know, but for Israel not to be plunged into chaos like other so called liberated countries in the middle east, what's the alternative?

trisher Tue 22-Mar-16 17:27:10

Do you really speak for ALL Jews?
I don't doubt that there are still incidents of anti-semetic nature in many places. I would imagine that most of these are linked to right-wing extremists who really want to spread discord and discontent in communities. We have demonstrations by the EDL who are abusive to migrants and refugees. I would be very concerned if the attitude of this group of people was taken as a true reflection of public opinion.

Venus Tue 22-Mar-16 17:29:20

trisher

There are obviously strands of anti-semitism and race covers many issues. I oversimplified things but the reality is obviously more complex.

trisher Tue 22-Mar-16 17:35:40

And the link to right-wing extremism? I would think this was much more scary than Jeremy Corbyn who simply talks to all the parties concerned and certainly wouldn't support the policies of such people.

Venus Tue 22-Mar-16 17:38:11

Yes, I most certainly speak for ALL Jews. I am absolutely definite 100%. For those who do not believe what I am saying, just purchase a current copy of The Jewish Chronicle. It is individuals as well as groups. You will see the full extent of what I'm saying. It is horrific and I stand firm on this issue, like no other! Obviously an eye opener for some on here.

Venus Tue 22-Mar-16 17:41:13

trisher.

He only talks to terrorists? That's alright then!

Anniebach Tue 22-Mar-16 17:52:00

So Corbyn is a threat to the Jewish community, how strange over six new MP's at the last election are Jews, how strange Kauffman is one of our longest service MP's

I suppose Mo Molam was threat to the whole country when as N I Secretary she insisted on going into to the Maze prison to talk to the IRA. prisoners

And I suppose the persecuted by Palestine Israelis were right to blow up a hospital run by MSF which gave shelter to women and children , killing women , children and medical staff .

This thread is vile

rosesarered Tue 22-Mar-16 17:58:57

Only the Corbyn supporters on the thread think it is 'vile'.

rosesarered Tue 22-Mar-16 18:00:10

A lot of people in this country are alarmed by the kind of people that Corbyn has been over attached to in the past.

nigglynellie Tue 22-Mar-16 18:01:58

In what respect?! If you find it 'vile', why on earth are you reading it, never mind contributing?! Just asking!!!!!

whitewave Tue 22-Mar-16 18:02:12

What incidents have you personal experience rose?

rosesarered Tue 22-Mar-16 18:02:16

Pergaps now he is leader he will change tack.

nigglynellie Tue 22-Mar-16 18:03:34

Not sure about that, leopards and spots come to mind!

rosesarered Tue 22-Mar-16 18:03:50

All this came up about Corbyn and McDonnell and their rather iffy friends from the past ever since he came into power.There has been enough coverage about it.

trisher Tue 22-Mar-16 18:04:23

The Labour party has a long and prestigious history of talking to extremist groups in the cause of peace and of course the people not interested in peace will continue to condemn them for this. Thanks for the reminder about Mo Mowlam Anniebach a woman who is not given the credit or acknowledgement she should have for her excellent work. The point is that talking has worked in the past, oppression and repression hasn't.

rosesarered Tue 22-Mar-16 18:04:35

Nobody expects left wing people on here to be thrilled about it, but it can't be swept under the carpet either.

rosesarered Tue 22-Mar-16 18:06:22

Talking only works if you are in a position of power.Years ago Corbyn was just a humble back bencher and could acheive nothing.He did not have to talk to the kind of people he welcomed.

Venus Tue 22-Mar-16 18:06:47

Kauffmn is a 'rotten apple'. He's had his say . . . and day.

Jewish MPs are not going to ditch their political careers because of Corbyn. Leaders come and go.

Annibach

Terrorists have a habit of hiding military equipment among innocent people. I don't know about the event you are talking about, but it is usual for the Jewish military to give warnings on strikes if they feel there is a need to.

That is the thing with terrorist groups, they don't care who gets killed.

TerriBull Tue 22-Mar-16 18:07:23

It's very current, in the news, some of us find it quite alarming that anti semitism is on the rise again, I see no reason why it should not be discussed.

trisher Tue 22-Mar-16 18:11:00

Not talking does nothing at all. You never know when a conversation may open a door or help towards a solution. It always concerns me when people think other people shouldn't be spoken to. What harm does a conversation do? If bridges are built when someone isn't in power it may lead to a solution when they are.

trisher Tue 22-Mar-16 18:16:36

But it's right-wing anti-semitism on the rise Terri all this fuss about who JC is talking to is so much smoke and mirrors. And possibly another attempt to split the Labour party when it is moving to the left.

TerriBull Tue 22-Mar-16 18:28:38

I perceive it comes from the far right, the far left and a section of Muslim extremists. Programmes such as Dispatches have previously filmed under cover in a number of mosques where inflammatory bile being spewed out to Jews among others was very evident. I believe certain Islamic schools have allowed their pupils to read anti semitic literature.

TerriBull Tue 22-Mar-16 18:42:32

about not to

obieone Tue 22-Mar-16 18:42:53

How often does Jeremy Corbyn meet with the Jewish community?