Letters: In defence of Jeremy Corbyn

Separation Wall, Bethlehem - image ICN/JS

The Reverend Dr Duncan Macpherson writes in an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer MP -

I have visited and led Christian pilgrimages to Israel and the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza regularly over the last forty years.

I have witnessed house demolitions and have been made aware of other grave human rights violations experienced by Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim. This has led me to be involved actively in charities promoting advocacy for justice and peace in the Holy Land.

Needless to say I have a great respect for Jews and Judaism that has not been diminished by my conviction that Israel is an ethno-religious state is in breach of international law and of multiple UN resolutions.

As a Labour Party member, I am also convinced, in the words of Jeremy Corbyn, that antisemitism in the party was "overstated", and that it was always about muting support for Palestinian rights.

I also think that the IHRA definition of antisemitism widens the definition to exclude legitimate opinions about Zionism and the repressive policies of the State of Israel. That Jews have been expelled from the party for anti-Semitic exemplifies the absurdity of the situation perfectly.

I respectfully call on you to effect the reinstatement of Jeremy Corbyn as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

The Reverend Dr Duncan Macpherson

Bruce Kent, vice chair of Pax Christi, vice president CND writes:

I have known Jeremy Corbyn for many years.

Our church is in his constituency and he frequently comes to social and community fundraising events.

Never in all those years have I heard from him one anti-Semitic, or racist remark about any other community.

He has however often been critical of aspects of Israeli Government behaviour.

If this is a new definition of what constitutes anti-Semitism then I must be guilty too, alongside many of my Jewish friends.

Yours faithfully

Bruce Kent

London N4