Tommy Robinson attacks ‘elitist Jews’ amid row with Board over Israeli visit

"I’ve been invited by the conservative government [of Israel] so of course you’re going to see the woke liberal Jews getting upset.

"The ones who want mass open-border immigration, the ones who have created the hostile environment for most Jews.

"These so-called voices of the Jewish community, which are betraying the Jewish community with their cosying up to Islam and open-border immigration, they’re the reason all these problems are happening.

"They’re upset because the real Zionist Jews, who are strong conservatives not weak, pathetic liberals, are the ones that have invited me.” 

Chikli extended the offer to Robinson, whom he called a “courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam” and a “true friend of Israel and the Jewish people”, the day after the terror attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, which left two Jewish men dead.

He wrote on X: “In the wake of the horrific Manchester terrorist attack, Israel and the Jewish people stand firmly with our allies in the United Kingdom.

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I am proud to host British patriot Tommy Robinson who will visit Israel in mid-October.

"At a time when Jews across Europe face rising antisemitism, it is vital to strengthen bonds with allies who refuse to be silent.

“He has proven himself a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people, unafraid to speak the truth and confront hate.

“Israel will always stand with the Jewish community and our allies worldwide. Together with friends like Tommy Robinson, we will build stronger bridges of solidarity, fight terror, and defend Western civilisation and our shared values.”

However, Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a controversial figure in the UK, with multiple criminal convictions and a vocal following on Britain’s far-right.

A former member of the BNP, he was the leader of the English Defence League (EDL) from 2009 until 2013. The group organised demonstrations against mass migration but faced allegations of violence and anti-Muslim hatred.

For example, Robinson has previously said that he blamed “every single Muslim” for “getting away with” the 7/7 bombings, though he subsequently apologised for those remarks.

In response, the Board and JLC issued a joint statement, saying: “Tommy Robinson is a thug who represents the very worst of Britain. His presence undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion.

"Minister Chikli has proven himself to be a Diaspora Minister in name only.

"In our darkest hour, he has ignored the views of the vast majority of British Jews, who utterly and consistently reject Robinson and everything he stands for.”

This prompted a furious response from Chikli, accusing the Board of being politicised.

He wrote: “The Board of Deputies has, regrettably, become first and foremost a political organisation - openly aligned with left-wing, woke, pro-Palestinian parties.

“Just hours after Jews were murdered in Manchester, instead of demanding protection or holding the government accountable, the Board rushed for a photo-op with the Prime Minister.

“Once proudly Zionist, now politically adrift. If only they showed the same energy attacking Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian terror state as they do attacking me and Tommy Robinson.”

Several prominent pro-Israel voices, including columnists Melanie Philips and Nicole Lampert and former deputy Khaled Hassan have since called on Chikli to delete the post.

The row comes as the Board is due to hold meetings with Muslim community leaders on Thursday to discuss interfaith initiatives and furthering community links.