closeicon

A lesson to be learned

July 21, 2016 10:09

The JC has been at the forefront in highlighting Labour's problem with antisemitism.

It has been a depressing story. So it is a relief to be able to report some good news. To date, the response of almost all those identified as having pushed antisemitic ideas has been outright denial, arguing - preposterously - that their words have been simply anti-Israel rather than anti-Jewish and attempting to turn the tables by asserting that they are being silenced by 'the Zionists'.

In contrast, Naz Shah, the MP for Bradford West, issued an immediate apology. Now she has gone further, explaining in some detail the basis of that apology and the lessons she has learned about her ignorance of Jew-hatred as well as the implications of the language she used.

It is a model of its kind and should be accepted in the spirit in which it is offered. But it is also, of course, a beginning rather than an end.

Now that Ms Shah has had both the time and inclination to reflect on her own behaviour, she could perform a valuable service to her own party - and to common decency - if she put that to good use and tried to educate others. And she might consider broadening that education beyond the Labour Party, so that she could explain to Malia Bouattia just why her behaviour is so poisonous.

Although we suspect that the NUS president needs no one to explain the implications of her behaviour towards Jews.

July 21, 2016 10:09

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive