Become a Member
News

Leading Orthodox Rabbis condemn Boris Johnson and warn Jewish community not to flirt with Islamophobia

'As the Jewish community is facing antisemitism from the far left, we have to be clear about what we see on the right as well'

August 10, 2018 11:36
100314159
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson leaves Downing Street on June 13, 2018 in London, England. The Prime Minister will attend PMQs in the House of Commons later today. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Leading United Synagogue rabbis have expressed their concerns over Boris Johnson’s mocking of Muslim women who wear the niqab — and warned of increasing flirtation with political extremism.

In his Daily Telegraph column, the former foreign secretary likened women wearing face-coverings to “letter boxes” and “bank robbers” and described them as “weird” and “ridiculous”, triggering huge outrage, with Mr Johnson’s critics accusing him of dog-whistle racism.

Rabbi David Mason, minister of Muswell Hill Synagogue, claimed it was an example of “racism with a smile”, telling the JC the comments were “very problematic and raise a big concern”.

He also condemned members of the Jewish community who expressed solidarity with far-right sentiments on social media.