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Call for expulsion of Welsh Assembly hopeful over ‘baseless conspiracy’ tweets

Board of Deputies has called on Plaid Cymru to take action against Sahar Al-Faifi after she suggested Israeli and Saudi hackers had attempted to steal her online passwords

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RHONDDA, WALES - APRIL 06: A rosette worn by Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood as she campaigns in Ton Pentre on April 6, 2015 in Rhondda, Wales. Britain goes to the polls in a general election on May 7. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

The Board of Deputies has called on Plaid Cymru to expel a prominent party activist for suggesting Israeli and Saudi hackers had attempted to steal her online passwords. 

Sahar Al-Faifi, who is seeking a nomination to stand for the Welsh Assembly this year, posted a series of tweets this week in which she said Google had alerted her to an attempt by “government-backed attackers” to steal her passwords and accused both countries of “harassment”.

Board President Marie van der Zyl said any failure to expel her would send a “clear message that those who indulge in antisemitism are welcome, and Jews are not.”

The communal group previously called for Ms Al-Faifi’s expulsion after she appeared to link George Floyd’s killing to Israel. The party investigated but took no further action against her. 

Previously, she was suspended - and later reinstated - over additional alleged antisemitic posts.

Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts is now carrying out a review of the party’s antisemitism policies.

“After Plaid Cymru let her off twice before, it was inevitable that Sahar Al-Faifi would spread baseless conspiracy theories concerning Israel, tapping into old antisemitic tropes,” Board president Marie van der Zyl said on Thursday.

“If Al-Faifi isn’t expelled this time, then any review will be seen by the Jewish community as a sham.” 

A spokesperson for the Welsh party said it “takes the issue of antisemitism very seriously” and defended its “proud and longstanding record” of fighting prejudice and discrimination.

"Antisemitism must never be tolerated and should always be confronted whenever and wherever it arises. 

“Plaid Cymru is committed to ensuring that its culture, structures, and processes fulfil a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism."

Sahar Al-Faifi was approached for comment.

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