Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations tells Diane Abbott it believes she 'wholeheartedly opposes antisemitism'

The UOHC, which describes itself as an “umbrella body representing the interests of strictly orthodox Jews”, did not name Rabbi Pinter but attacked media reports “which have alleged that you do not whole heartedly oppose antisemitism” as “the views of one individual".

“Many of the senior Rabbinate members, including our Principal Rabbinical Authority, reside locally and are your constituents”, the letter continued.

“We are aware that you often spend much time and trouble to assist constituents and others with their personal and other problems, and that the ethnicity and religion etc., of those that you assist makes not an iota of difference to the assistance that you generously provide.”

The letter comes just a day after Shloime Sinitsky resigned as the chairman of Kedassia, the kashrus division of the Union, suggesting a deepening chasm between moderates and hardliners within Stamford Hill's strictly orthodox community.

Rabbi Pinter had expressed strong support for Mr Sinitsky, telling the JC he was "irreplaceable" and that he supported him "one million percent".