Most British Jews Think Country’s Labour Party is Too Tolerant of Antisemitism
by JNS.org
JNS.org – A remarkable majority of British Jews believe the country’s Labour party is too tolerant of antisemitism, according to a new study by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) watchdog.
The CAA’s new Antisemitism Barometer reports that 87 percent of British Jews believe that Labour doesn’t do enough to combat Jew hatred compared to the 18 percent who say they think that of the ruling Conservative party.
Other political factions, including the Liberal Democrats, UKIP (UK Independence Party), the Greens and the Scottish National Party (SNP), were believed to be too tolerant by 37 to 49 percent of respondents.
CAA said the comparison is important because left-wing parties are traditionally known for fighting racism, but now British Jews consider those traditionally viewed as advocates on their behalf to be failing in their response to anti-Jewish racism.
Since Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was elected in September 2015, the party has suspended a number of members over allegations of antisemitism.
“Jews are the canaries in the coal mine, and in large numbers are falling silent in Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party,” said Joe Glasman, head of Political Investigations and Liaison at CAA. “The whole nation should listen to that silence and shudder. The Jews of Britain understand both historically and intuitively what they are witnessing, and every accusation that they are concealing a hidden agenda confirms their fears that Britain’s Left is now descending into darkness.”
The CAA’s Antisemitism Barometer study, conducted in cooperation with Jewish community groups, surveyed 1,864 British Jewish adults about their feelings on tolerance of antisemitism by UK political parties.