Departing Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich has agreed to take part in a "Liberation Seder" sponsored by the fringe, pro-Corbyn Jewish Voice For Labour group that aims to reflect on "the continued misery of Israel’s occupation".
Invitations for the Seder, which will be broadcast online through Zoom, confirm Rabbi Rich will host the event along with "socialist magician" Ian Saville, who set up the Jews for Jeremy (Corbyn) group on Facebook, and is a member of the Jewish Socialist Group.
JVL official Mike Cushman has this week been sending out emailed notification of the event under the headline "Zoom-in To Our Liberation Seder to members of the pro-Jeremy Corbyn group".
Stating that Passover ‘’is a joyous celebration of liberation from slavery in Egypt’’, it bills the Seder as "a time to reflect on modern injustices’’ including the ‘’misery of Israel’s occupation."
The email also confirms that the organisers will be supporting "the British Shalom-Salaam Trust’s emergency appeal for the West Bank and Gaza."
It adds: "This year, Passover will be like never before, with the traditional family Seder night (Passover service) impossible."
The JSG and the Jews for Justice for Palestinians organisations are also listed as co-sponsors of Seder, which takes place on April 9.
The Shalom-Salaam Trust’s website states that it has supported events involving "Palestinians, Israeli Jews, migrants and asylum seekers."
Rabbi Rich has previously sparked anger over his close links to the JVL group, who have repeatedly tried to deny claims of widespread antisemitism in Labour under Mr Corbyn.
The JC also revealed last year how he had invited Mr Corbyn for Friday night dinner.
Rabbi Rich told the JC: "I am now a freelance Jewish educator, acting in a personal capacity, and am happy to offer Jewish teachings and guidance to Jews, and people of other faiths or of no denomination.
"I know many of the individuals involved and may or may not agree with any or some of their political views.
"I am sure you would wish the Jewish community to be sufficiently liberal and mature to enable all Jews to participate in a Seder. After all it was only the wicked child who cut off him or herself from the community."
