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Jewish writer's play about antisemitism in the UK attacked by antisemites
'One Jewish Boy' focuses on how diaspora Jews are held responsible for Israeli foreign policy
September 20, 2018 10:33
'One Jewish Boy' focuses on how diaspora Jews are held responsible for Israeli foreign policy
September 20, 2018 10:33The Jewish author of a new play about rising antisemitism in Britain has spoken out after it prompted a deluge of antisemitic comments, saying they “play exactly into the fear I’m writing about.”
Stephen Laughton's One Jewish Boy explores key moments during a four-year relationship between a Jewish man and non-Jewish woman in the UK.
But when its premiere was announced on Tuesday, it was met with hate speech on social media.
“I must say I do not give a f***. Perhaps you could write a play about Palestinian kids getting blown to pieces by Jews," was one.
Another was: “For me to being [sic] respecting ‘the Jew’ as you would refer to them I would need all of the British Jews to come out in force and condemn Israel.”
Pictures of Palestinian flags were also posted in response to the announcement.
Mr Laughton is a member of St John's Wood Liberal Synagogue and used to work in a communications role for Liberal Judaism.
He said: “Although I’m saddened by these responses, I can’t say I’m surprised – this is not my first time at the rodeo.
“The irony is that the play focuses on the conflating of diaspora Jews with Israeli foreign policy.
"Not once in the title, summary or description is Israel mentioned, yet still the responsibility of actions and policies made by the Knesset falls upon Jews outside of Israel.
"In this case, British citizens who have nothing to do with these decisions, many of whom may have never stepped foot in Israel.”
The playwright also said that his latest work had been written “from a place of tangible fear – you see it in our politics, on our social media, with our kids getting beaten up in the streets. I wrote the play to highlight the problem, to open the debate – I absolutely want to engage, but I’m saddened that on initial announcement, without looking further or checking me or my politics, these responses play exactly into the fear I’m writing about.”
Sarah Meadows, the play’s director, said she hoped the play would help “find a way to communicate.
“It’s such a divisive area, and although I’m shocked by how aggressive the reactions are – there’s a realistic message of hope at the end of this play. We can overcome these differences," she said.
‘There is categorical truth that we should all share, that attacking a group of people based on their beliefs is wrong. Antisemitism is a terrifying historical truth that everyone has to face, be educated about and be part of the movement to change the trajectory of our future histories.’
One Jewish Boy will run at the Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington, from December 11 until January 5.
