UK Labour enables assaults on free speech | The Electronic Intifada
▻https://electronicintifada.net/content/uk-labour-enables-assaults-free-speech/25576
On 28 August this year, the New Statesman published an interview with Jonathan Sacks, Britain’s former chief rabbi, in which he described Jeremy Corbyn, the country’s main opposition leader, as “an anti-Semite.”
By way of evidence, Sacks cited comments made by Corbyn in 2013, when the Labour leader and long-standing supporter of Palestinian rights allegedly criticized Zionists for failing to understand English irony. An editorial in the same issue of the London magazine claimed that “Corbyn’s remarks conflated a political position and an identity.”
Even the traditionally Labour-supporting New Statesman, then, was endorsing the anti-Semitism charge.
My initial reaction to these accusations was to dismiss them. How could anyone believe such nonsense?
I have known and worked with Corbyn since the late 1970s. I cannot think of any other prominent politician who, throughout their entire adult life, has worked as tirelessly against racism in every form.
But on reflection, I think a more considered response is necessary. We need to look carefully at any such allegations. Theoretically, at least, they just might be true.
Corbyn’s remarks were made in reference to an earlier speech by Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian Authority’s ambassador to the UK. Hassassian spoke in the British Parliament on 15 January 2013.
We don’t have access to Hassassian’s entire speech but Richard Millett, a pro-Israel activist, recorded it at the time.
