Jewish Labour Party members come out in support of Corbyn
- Latest: Corbyn's response in full
Jewish Labour Party members say they are 'appalled' at criticism of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
The Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council is handing a strongly worded joint letter to the Labour Parliamentary Party accusing Mr Corbyn of failing to do enough about anti-Jewish propaganda.
"He issues empty statements about opposing antisemitism, but does nothing to understand or address it," their letter states.
"We conclude that he cannot seriously contemplate antisemitism, because he is so ideologically fixed within a far-left worldview that is instinctively hostile to mainstream Jewish communities."
However, in a statement, Jewish Voice for Labour said: "We are Jews in the Labour Party currently actively campaigning for Labour in local elections.
"We are appalled by the actions and statements of the Board of Deputies. They do not represent us or the many Jews in the Party who share Jeremy Corbyn's vision for social justice and fairness. Jeremy's consistent commitment to anti-racism is all the more needed now."
'Says nothing on the global rise of the far right'
Referring to two cases of alleged antisemitism by the Conservatives in recent weeks, Jewish Voice for Labour added: "The Board of Deputies has been silent on both.
"It also says nothing on the global rise of the far right and the toxic anti-immigrant rhetoric of the tabloid press, despite the imperative from Jewish history to speak out against racism and fascism.
"The Board of Deputies and those supporting them must be aware that this is an attempt to influence local elections and has nothing to do with the real and necessary task of challenging racism and antisemitism at all levels of political life.
"We call on them to stop playing politics and start representing what our community needs."
Many Labour Party members believe claims of antisemitism have been orchestrated simply to attack Mr Corbyn, with some of his own MPs openly engaging in the assault.
