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Jewish activists barred from Momentum event debating Labour antisemitism

Labour MP says this was not the first time Redbridge Momentum have banned people 'without explanation'

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A branch of the Jeremy Corbyn-supporting Momentum group barred a number of pro-Israel activists who campaign against Labour antisemitism from attending an event debating Jew-hate within the party.

David Collier, a researcher and activist who documents antisemitism, was issued a ticket for Labour, Britain's Jews and Antisemitism —A Different Perspective, hosted by Redbridge Momentum.

But days after he received it, he was sent an email telling him that his ticket had been withdrawn with no explanation.

A spokesperson for Momentum claimed Mr Collier was not allowed in because it was a members' only event, despite the fact he was initially issued a ticket and the cancellation was unexplained.

Sharon Klaff, who founded pro-Israel grassroots group Campaign For Truth, was also sent a ticket as were other members of her group. 

But the tickets were later withdrawn by Redbridge Momentum. 

Labour MP Wes Streeting, who represents Ilford North, said this was not the first time Redbridge Momentum have banned people “without explanation.”

Mr Streeting said: “It seems they want to be able to redefine antisemitism against the wishes of the vast majority of British Jews without challenge.

“They don’t represent the views of Ilford’s Labour MPs, Redbridge’s Labour council or the wider Labour Party.”

A Facebook page advertising the event, says "claims that Labour has a problem with antisemitism have dominated the news agenda. Many Jewish party members contest the prevailing view.”

Speakers at the event, which took place at Redbridge Central Library on Thursday evening, include Murray Glickman, who re-joined the Labour party when Jeremy Corbyn became leader.

Mr Glickman helped found the controversial group Jewish Voice for Labour, which was set up last year to fight accusations that the Labour leader has bolstered Jew-hate.

Other speakers at the event include David Rosenberg, one of the founding members of the Jewish Socialists' Group in the 1970s and also a member of JVL.

Mr Collier said he believed the organisers rescinded his ticket because “they are not open to discussing antisemitism.

"I go to these events all the time to listen to what they have to say. All they want to do is tell everyone the problem does not exist.

 “The whole purpose is to create an image of the Jewish community that is more divided than it is over antisemitism. It isn't."

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