Jeremy Corbyn’s keynote race speech thrown into chaos by Chief Rabbi’s attack on Labour’s anti-semitism
JEREMY Corbyn's keynote race speech today was thrown into chaos by the Chief Rabbi's attack on Labour Party's anti-Semitism problem just hours earlier.
The Labour leader was speaking at the launch of the party's race and faith manifesto, and had hoped to finally put the issue behind him.
The launch had been overshadowed before it even began by Ephraim Mirvis saying “the overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety” over a Labour government.
Writing in , he said “Jewish community has watched with incredulity as supporters of the Labour leadership have hounded parliamentarians, members and even staff out of the party for challenging anti-Jewish racism”.
He continues: “The way in which the leadership has dealt with anti-Jewish racism is incompatible with the British values of which we are so proud — of dignity and respect for all people.
“Be in no doubt, the very soul of our nation is at stake.”
To add fuel to the fire, a series of Corbynistas then attacked the Chief Rabbi as a Boris supporter and "Mossad agent".
It meant an event that should have brought some much-needed positive publicity for the beleaguered Labour leader turned into a political minefield, with Mr Corbyn arriving more than an hour late to give his speech.
Guests were forced to listen to songs while they waited for the far-left leader, who was greeted with protesters upon his arrival.
When he finally spoke, he made reference to Labour's anti-Semitism scandal, saying: "I have to say, I just want to make this very clear - anti-Semitism in any form is vile and wrong.
Earlier, there was further embarrassment for Mr Corbyn when his supporters trolled the Chief Rabbi.
Teacher and Labour activist Holly Rigby, who has written for the Guardian and Independent, tweeted: "Chief Rabbi Mirvis is a Boris Johnson supporter.
"He’s also an uncritical supporter of Netanyahu + the violent oppression of Palestinians by Israel.
"Labour is promising to recognise a Palestinian state + end arms sales to Israel.
"His comments must be taken in this context."
Another accused him of of being a Mossad agent claiming: "Today’s announcement from the chief Rabbi also stinks of foreign state interference, MI6 Monday, Mossad today! CIA tomorrow? Corbyn is target number 1."
The comments sparked a furious backlash, with Jewish Labour labelling them ";disgraceful".
A spokesman said: "It's deeply problematic to take support for Israel existing - Zionism - and equate it with backing the current Israeli government.
";No one should be surprised that the Chief Rabbi supports Israel.
"But to say that anyone - let alone him - is acting in a partisan way because he wants to 'weaponise' racism against Jews is frankly disgraceful.
"One of the oldest antisemitic tropes is that Jews have dual loyalties - this is straight out of that play book."
The Conservatives said it was "staggering" that Labour has sought to "lecture people" despite facing a huge backlash over its handling of anti-Semitism claims within the party.
Last week, Mr Corbyn unveiled his Marxist manifesto that pledges to introduce £83billion in taxes and is now publishing one that focuses on race and injustice.
He plans to make colonialism and the role of British Empire part of the national curriculum.
Mr Corbyn will also force businesses to report on the pay gap faced by their black, Asian and ethnic minority employees as well as establish a race equality unit in the Treasury.
She said: "It's staggering that Corbyn's Labour see fit to lecture people about race and faith while they are investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for the rampant antisemitism in their ranks.
"Not charging people who want to come to the country for visa and immigration services means UK taxpayers will have to pay instead.
"The bill will be more than £1.5billion, money that could otherwise be spent on schools and hospitals."
Proposals in the Labour race and faith manifesto
- Form a "emancipation educational trust" to teach about the "historical injustice" of the British Empire
- The same trust would also teach on migration and legacy of slavery
- Establishing a race equality unit in the Treasury to review spending announcements for their impact on Bame communities
- End "rip-off" charges for passports, visas and tests from the Home Office
- A wide-ranging review into the under-representation of Bame teachers in schools
- An independent review of far-right extremism
A Labour spokesman said: “Jeremy Corbyn is a lifelong campaigner against anti-Semitism and has made absolutely clear it has no place in our party and society.
“The 130 figure is inaccurate and it is categorically untrue to suggest there are thousands of outstanding cases.”
Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Ephraim Mirvis issues warning about a Labour win