Jeremy Corbyn campaign deletes dismissive video and apologises following call between Board of Deputies CEO and Jon Lansman

por Comunidad Judía · 11 Tishri 5777 – 13 octubre, 2016

Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign for the Labour leadership has agreed to delete a video which was described as a «slap in the face» for the Jewish community.

Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron said: «The dismissive video was a ‘slap in the face’ for the Jewish community. Having spoken directly to Campaign Director Jon Lansman, the Jeremy for Labour campaign now recognises the inappropriate message conveyed and has committed to remove the video and apologise. This is the right result.

“It has been a bruising year for relations between the Labour Party and the Jewish community. Whatever the result of the leadership election on Saturday, we will continue to demand that antisemitism is opposed across our politics with the requisite force and conviction.”

In the video a Corbyn supporter says about the issue of antisemitism: «When you actually boil it all down, what they mean is ‘we’re losing the political argument and we’ve got nothing to fight back with other than these accusations’.»

Then, one of the contributors is shown throwing a piece of paper – with the question about antisemitism apparently on it – to the floor. The man says: «So that’s gone as well.»

To read the JC report, click here.

The #bridgesnotboycotts campaign resource is being distributed to students at university freshers week events up and down the country (see story below)

Changes secured to church ‘checkpoint’ exhibition

Hinde Street Methodist Church has agreed to make changes to its exhibition about Israeli checkpoints following intervention by the Board of Deputies and the Zionist Federation.

Board of Deputies Vice President Marie van der Zyl and Zionist Federation Chairman Paul Charney said: “Following dialogue with the Board of Deputies and action by the Zionist Federation (ZF) in recent days, the Hinde Street Methodist Church has agreed to make adjustments.

“This will include a table of information prepared by the ZF outlining Israel’s security needs that makes these measures necessary and the display of a statement from the Israeli Government, provided by a local rabbi.»

To read the full statement, clickhere. Read the JC report here and the Daily Mail’s article here.
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#bridgesnotboycotts campaign resource debated on Radio 4

Board of Deputies Parliamentary Officer Joel Salmon was interviewed on Radio 4’s Sunday programme about the new #bridgesnotboycotts campaign resource jointly launched with the Union of Jewish Students, which informs students about the boycott campaign and how they can combat it.

During a debate with the Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Ben Jamal, Joel said: “Jewish students generally have a good time on campus, but some of the anti-Israel hostility, which becomes targeted at Jewish students, makes them feel uncomfortable in their own campuses, and it can be really scary.

“Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, also known as BDS motions, are being passed in student unions across the country, and the NUS, the National Union of Students itself, has a BDS policy in place. And it means that Jewish students are feeling unwelcome in the student movement and feel targeted.”

You can listen in here 11 minutes into the programme.

Board of Deputies Activity

INTERNATIONAL

The Board of Deputies welcomes two new additions to the ever-growing network of Friends of Israel groups across the British Isles. On Sunday our Grassroots Consultant on Israel Steven Jaffe, spoke at the packed launch of Southend Friends of Israel at the synagogue, Finchley Road. The Mayor of Southend attended and a letter of support was read out from local MP, Sir David Amess. Meanwhile in Jersey more than 80 attended the launch of Jersey Friends of Israel, including the Chief Minister, Ian Gorst, representatives of the Jewish community and Christian friends.

Board President Jonathan Arkush attended a reception at the US Ambassador’s residence to welcome the new Deputy Chief of Mission.

In Paris, Jonathan Arkush andVice President Marie van der Zylattended «Continuing the Dialogue: Combating Antisemitism in Europe through Legal and Other Means» – a conference hosted by the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists and the European Jewish Fund. Jonathan spoke at the event.

Marie van der Zyl attended a dinner for Concordis a charity providing dialogue for peace in Africa and other advice on international conflict resolution.

Vice President Sheila Gewolb, Steven Jaffe andInterfaith and Social Action Officer Anthony Silkoff attended a Christian Watchmen over Zion fellowship meeting, to find out more about their pro-Israel advocacy.

The Board of Deputies and the UK Task Force hosted an evening with Dr Dalia Fadila, Arab feminist, educator, entrepreneur and social activist, who was in conversation with Chief Executive Gillian Merron.

POLITICAL

Public Affairs Director Phil Rosenberg and Parliamentary Officer Joel Salmon attended the Liberal Democrat Conference where they went to a Friends of Israel panel on the UK’s relationship with Israel after Brexit. The panel featured Baroness Ludford, Tom Brake MP, and a diplomat from the Israeli Embassy.

Phil Rosenberg and Joel Salmonwere invited to a Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel dinner with a number of parliamentarians. Israeli regional and local politics were discussed, as was the British Jewish community’s relationship to Israel.

Phil Rosenberg and Joel Salmonmet Sussex Friends of Israel to discuss grassroots activism and how to strengthen campaigns across the UK.

Marie van der Zyl andGovernment Affairs Officer Dawn Waterman attended the Labour leadership election candidates’ hustings held at JW3.

EDUCATION

Education Development Manager Sara Perlmutter attended the Religious Education Council executive meeting.

Sara Perlmutter chaired the launch event of JDP – Jewish Development Professionals – at the Jewish Museum. This is a collaboration of organisations combining to develop student and teacher Judaism resources.

The Board of Deputies, together with Partnership for Jewish Schools, delivered the second of three twilight teaching sessions, in Clifton, Bristol.

COMMUNITY

Gillian Merron attended UJIA’s Annual Dinner.

Gillian Merron spoke at New London Synagogue to debate ‘We live in a tolerant society’ with Tulip Siddiq MP. The event was chaired by Rabbi Jeremy Gordon.

Dawn Waterman attended a seminar to mark the 75^thanniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees.

INTERFAITH

Anthony Silkoff and Public Affairs Director Phil Rosenberg, met Peter Colwell, Deputy General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. They discussed plans for the Board’s ‘Invest in Peace’ project, which aims to unite churches and synagogues in support of peacebuilding initiatives.Anthony Silkoff and Phil Rosenberg also met David Tatem, Secretary for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, United Reformed Church, to discuss ‘Invest in Peace’.

Anthony Silkoff attended the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe’s felicitation of their Trustee Rusi K Dalal, along with other representatives of faith communities and interfaith bodies.

Anthony Silkoff gave a speech at the #LondonIsOpen Places of Worship film premiere on the UN Day of Peace, along with representatives of various faith communities and the Mayor of London’s office.