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Jewish Voice for Labour's founding statement advocated "making the ] an open, democratic and inclusive party, encouraging all ethnic groups and cultures to join and participate freely", to support a commitment "to strengthen the party in its opposition to all forms of racism, including ]",<ref name="MansonLevy">{{cite news |last1=Manson|first1=Jenny|last2=Levy|first2=Raphael|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/28/jewish-voice-for-labour-is-not-an-anti-zionist-group|title=Jewish Voice for Labour is not an anti-Zionist group|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 September 2017|accessdate=1 February 2018}}</ref> and "does not make promoting the centrality of Israel to ] life a condition of membership".<ref name="JVL05082017">{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/jvl/media-statement-for-immediate-release/|title=New organisation founded for Jewish Labour Party members|publisher=Jewish Voice for Labour|date=5 August 2017|accessdate=26 March 2018}}</ref> Jewish Voice for Labour's founding statement advocated "making the ] an open, democratic and inclusive party, encouraging all ethnic groups and cultures to join and participate freely", to support a commitment "to strengthen the party in its opposition to all forms of racism, including ]",<ref name="MansonLevy">{{cite news |last1=Manson|first1=Jenny|last2=Levy|first2=Raphael|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/28/jewish-voice-for-labour-is-not-an-anti-zionist-group|title=Jewish Voice for Labour is not an anti-Zionist group|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 September 2017|accessdate=1 February 2018}}</ref> and "does not make promoting the centrality of Israel to ] life a condition of membership".<ref name="JVL05082017">{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/jvl/media-statement-for-immediate-release/|title=New organisation founded for Jewish Labour Party members|publisher=Jewish Voice for Labour|date=5 August 2017|accessdate=26 March 2018}}</ref>


The organisation admits full membership only to Labour Party members who identify as Jewish.<ref name="Rosenhead">{{cite news |last=Rosenhead|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-europe-make-it/jonathan-rosenhead/new-jewish-voice-for-labour|title=A new Jewish voice for Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=11 October 2017|accessdate=1 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="Sugarman1">{{cite news |last=Sugarman|first=Daniel|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/new-jewish-group-launched-in-labour-1.443348|title=New Jewish group launched in Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=25 August 2017|accessdate=26 March 2018}}</ref> All other members are associate members, without voting rights as the constitution specifies that the organisation is led by Jewish people, in that only Jews can vote on its policies.<ref name="Saville">{{cite news |last=Saville|first=Ian|url=https://www.labourlist.org/2018/04/there-are-a-lot-of-myths-about-jewish-voice-for-labour-heres-the-truth/|title=There are a lot of myths about Jewish Voice for Labour. Here’s the truth|work= |location= |publisher=''Labour List''|date=25 April 2018|accessdate=25 April 2018}}</ref> By contrast the ] accepts full membership to both ] and non-Labour Party members.<ref name="Rosenhead"/><ref name="Sugarman1"/> In 2017, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, an executive board member of Jewish Voice for Labour, said the organisation's "longer term aim" could be to ].<ref name="Philpot">{{cite news |last=Philpot|first=Robert|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/uks-new-jewish-voice-for-labour-seeks-to-throw-off-the-shackles-of-israel/|title=UK’s new Jewish Voice for Labour seeks to throw off the 'shackles' of Israel|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=15 December 2017|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref> Wimborne-Idrissi herself has been accused of saying Israel exploits the Holocaust. <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://order-order.com/2017/09/08/meeting-to-discuss-anti-semitism-witch-hunt-at-labour-conference/|title=Meeting to Discuss Anti-Semitism 'Witch Hunt' at Labour Conference -|date=2017-09-08|work=Guido Fawkes|access-date=2018-07-23|language=en-US}}</ref> The organisation admits full membership only to Labour Party members who identify as Jewish.<ref name="Rosenhead">{{cite news |last=Rosenhead|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-europe-make-it/jonathan-rosenhead/new-jewish-voice-for-labour|title=A new Jewish voice for Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=11 October 2017|accessdate=1 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="Sugarman1">{{cite news |last=Sugarman|first=Daniel|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/new-jewish-group-launched-in-labour-1.443348|title=New Jewish group launched in Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=25 August 2017|accessdate=26 March 2018}}</ref> All other members are associate members, without voting rights as the constitution specifies that the organisation is led by Jewish people, in that only Jews can vote on its policies.<ref name="Saville">{{cite news |last=Saville|first=Ian|url=https://www.labourlist.org/2018/04/there-are-a-lot-of-myths-about-jewish-voice-for-labour-heres-the-truth/|title=There are a lot of myths about Jewish Voice for Labour. Here’s the truth|work= |location= |publisher=''Labour List''|date=25 April 2018|accessdate=25 April 2018}}</ref> By contrast the ] accepts full membership to both ] and non-Labour Party members.<ref name="Rosenhead"/><ref name="Sugarman1"/> In 2017, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, an executive board member of JVL, said the organisation's "longer term aim" could be to ].<ref name="Philpot">{{cite news |last=Philpot|first=Robert|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/uks-new-jewish-voice-for-labour-seeks-to-throw-off-the-shackles-of-israel/|title=UK’s new Jewish Voice for Labour seeks to throw off the 'shackles' of Israel|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=15 December 2017|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref>


], an activist in ] and a former Labour councillor, was elected chair in July 2017.<ref name="Sugarman1"/> While Manson has said the organisation is "not ]" but states that it was designed as a platform for Jews who do not support what she called the ]'s "profoundly ] orientation",<ref name="MansonLevy"/><ref name="Sugarman2">{{cite news |last=Sugarman|first=Daniel|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/new-jewish-group-launched-in-labour-1.443348|title=New Jewish group launched in Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=25 August 2017|accessdate=1 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="Doherty">{{cite news |last=Doherty|first=Rosa|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/news-features/jeremy-corbyn-s-devoted-defender-jewish-voice-for-labour-jenny-manson-1.465660|title=Meet Jeremy Corbyn’s devoted Jewish defender: Jenny Manson|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=19 June 2018|accessdate=1 July 2018}}</ref> Jewish Voice for Labour's information officer, Jonathan Rosenhead shares the latter opinion.<ref name="Rosenhead"/> Wimborne-Idrissi has said, "We do not believe it has the right to speak as the Jewish Labour Movement on behalf of all Jews in the Labour party."<ref name="Philpot"/> ], an activist in ] and a former Labour councillor, was elected chair in July 2017.<ref name="Sugarman1"/> While Manson has said the organisation is "not ]" but states that it was designed as a platform for Jews who do not support what she called the ]'s "profoundly ] orientation",<ref name="MansonLevy"/><ref name="Sugarman2">{{cite news |last=Sugarman|first=Daniel|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/new-jewish-group-launched-in-labour-1.443348|title=New Jewish group launched in Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=25 August 2017|accessdate=1 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="Doherty">{{cite news |last=Doherty|first=Rosa|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/news-features/jeremy-corbyn-s-devoted-defender-jewish-voice-for-labour-jenny-manson-1.465660|title=Meet Jeremy Corbyn’s devoted Jewish defender: Jenny Manson|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=19 June 2018|accessdate=1 July 2018}}</ref> JVL's information officer, Jonathan Rosenhead shares the latter opinion.<ref name="Rosenhead"/> Wimborne-Idrissi has said, "We do not believe it has the right to speak as the Jewish Labour Movement on behalf of all Jews in the Labour party."<ref name="Philpot"/>


Manson stated that the organisations two purposes are to "tackle allegations of ]"<ref name="Welch">{{cite news |last=Welch|first=Bem|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/news-features/what-is-jewish-voice-for-labour-jvl-1.462012|title=What is JVL?|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=3 April 2018|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref> and to uphold "the right of supporters of justice for Palestinians to engage in solidarity activities."<ref name="MansonLevy"/> Manson stated that the organisation's two purposes are to "tackle allegations of ]"<ref name="Welch">{{cite news |last=Welch|first=Bem|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/news-features/what-is-jewish-voice-for-labour-jvl-1.462012|title=What is JVL?|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=3 April 2018|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref> and to uphold "the right of supporters of justice for Palestinians to engage in solidarity activities."<ref name="MansonLevy"/>


Jewish Voice for Labour was reported by '']'' in December 2017 to be closely linked to Free Speech on Israel (FSOI) which was founded in 2016, is non-Zionist and opposes the notion that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. However, Wimborne-Idrissi rejected this claim saying they are "two separate organizations with different aims and objectives."<ref name="Philpot"/> JVL was reported by '']'' in December 2017 to be closely linked to Free Speech on Israel (FSOI) which was founded in 2016, is non-Zionist and opposes the notion that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. However, Wimborne-Idrissi rejected this claim saying they are "two separate organizations with different aims and objectives."<ref name="Philpot"/>


==History== ==History==
In July 2017, Jewish Voice for Labour inaugurated and on 24 September<ref name="Manson">{{cite news |last=Manson|first=Jenny|url=http://www.talkradio.co.uk/news/head-new-jewish-labour-party-we-should-be-focusing-islamophobia-not-punishing-ken-livingstone|title=Head of new Jewish Labour party: We should be focusing on Islamophobia, not punishing Ken Livingstone|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=6 October 2017|accessdate=1 July 2018}}</ref> the organisation was officially launched during the second day of the ] at the ] in Brighton, with over 300 people in attendance.<ref name="Rosenhead"/> In July 2017, JVL inaugurated and on 24 September<ref name="Manson">{{cite news |last=Manson|first=Jenny|url=http://www.talkradio.co.uk/news/head-new-jewish-labour-party-we-should-be-focusing-islamophobia-not-punishing-ken-livingstone|title=Head of new Jewish Labour party: We should be focusing on Islamophobia, not punishing Ken Livingstone|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=6 October 2017|accessdate=1 July 2018}}</ref> the organisation was officially launched during the second day of the ] at the ] in Brighton, with over 300 people in attendance.<ref name="Rosenhead"/>


The organisation has objected to "unjustified allegations of antisemitism" which they allege are "used to undermine ]'s ]".<ref name="Daisley">{{cite news |last=Daisley|first=Stephen|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/247057/british-labour-corbyn-anti-semitism|title=The British Labour Party’s 'Kosher Stamp' for Anti-Semitism|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=16 October 2017|accessdate=26 March 2018}}</ref> It opposed the definition of the ] being formally accepted by the Labour Party at the 2017 Conference. This it sees as "attempts to widen the definition of antisemitism beyond its meaning of hostility towards, or discrimination against, Jews as Jews".<ref name="JVL05082017"/><ref name="Sugarman1"/> Rosenhead sees this definition as being intentionally "vague" allowing for "the protection of Israel" via "a side door" and thus "encouraging the presumption that ] is likely to be antisemitic".<ref name="Rosenhead"/><ref name="Sugarman1"/> The change to the ], which was supported by Corbyn, they see as an "anti-democratic restriction on political debate".<ref name="Philpot"/> In May 2018, the organisation with members of Free Speech on Israel produced a definition of antisemitism as "Antisemitism is a form of racism: hatred, hostility, discrimination or prejudice against Jews because they are Jews. It may be manifested in violence; denial of rights; direct, indirect or institutional discrimination; prejudice-based behaviour; or verbal or written statements. Such manifestations draw on stereotypes – characteristics which all Jews are presumed to share."<ref name="timesofisrael">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/jewish-voice-for-labour-offer-new-anti-semitism-definition/|title=Jewish Voice for Labour offer new anti-Semitism definition|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=17 May 2018|accessdate=17 May 2018}}</ref> The organisation has objected to "unjustified allegations of antisemitism" which are "used to undermine ]'s ]".<ref name="Daisley">{{cite news |last=Daisley|first=Stephen|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/247057/british-labour-corbyn-anti-semitism|title=The British Labour Party’s 'Kosher Stamp' for Anti-Semitism|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=16 October 2017|accessdate=26 March 2018}}</ref> It opposed the definition of the ] being formally accepted by the Labour Party at the 2017 Conference. This it sees as "attempts to widen the definition of antisemitism beyond its meaning of hostility towards, or discrimination against, Jews as Jews".<ref name="JVL05082017"/><ref name="Sugarman1"/> Rosenhead sees this definition as being intentionally "vague" allowing for "the protection of Israel" via "a side door" and thus "encouraging the presumption that ] is likely to be antisemitic".<ref name="Rosenhead"/><ref name="Sugarman1"/> The change to the ], which was supported by Corbyn, they see as an "anti-democratic restriction on political debate".<ref name="Philpot"/> In May 2018, the organisation with members of Free Speech on Israel produced a definition of antisemitism as "Antisemitism is a form of racism: hatred, hostility, discrimination or prejudice against Jews because they are Jews. It may be manifested in violence; denial of rights; direct, indirect or institutional discrimination; prejudice-based behaviour; or verbal or written statements. Such manifestations draw on stereotypes – characteristics which all Jews are presumed to share."<ref name="timesofisrael">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/jewish-voice-for-labour-offer-new-anti-semitism-definition/|title=Jewish Voice for Labour offer new anti-Semitism definition|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=17 May 2018|accessdate=17 May 2018}}</ref>


The organisation has defended individuals such as former ] ] who was suspended from party membership for bringing the party into disrepute. "These actions by Ken were not offensive, nor anti-semitic in any way", according to Manson,<ref name="Philpot"/> supported ],<ref name="Welch"/> deemed accusations of antisemitism against ] as "ill founded",<ref name="Harpin1">{{cite news |last=Harpin|first=Lee|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/israeli-born-anti-zionist-expelled-from-labour-party-1.445722|title=Israeli-born anti-Zionist expelled from Labour Party|work=]|date=9 October 2017|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="Harpin2">{{cite news |last=Harpin|first=Lee|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/expelled-anti-zionist-moshe-machover-readmitted-to-labour-party-1.447052|title=Expelled anti-Zionist Moshe Machover readmitted to Labour Party|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=31 October 2017|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref> and opposed and condemned the expulsion of ]<ref name="Rogers">{{cite news |last=Rogers|first=Sienna|url=https://www.labourlist.org/2018/04/marc-wadsworth-expelled-from-the-labour-party/|title=Marc Wadsworth expelled from the Labour Party|work= |location= |publisher=''Labour List''|date=27 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref><ref name="voice-online">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/labour-party-chiefs-spark-backlash-over-wadsworth-expulsion|title=Labour Party chiefs spark backlash over Wadsworth expulsion|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=15 May 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref> as being "punished in advance" of the investigation and hearing of the case.<ref name="Sagir">{{cite news |last=Sagir|first=Ceren|url=https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/article/anti-racist-campaigners-expulsion-is-a-new-low-for-the-party|title=Anti-racist campaigner's expulsion is ‘a new low’ for the party, Jewish activists say|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref> The organisation has defended individuals such as former ] ] who was suspended from party membership for bringing the party into disrepute. "These actions by Ken were not offensive, nor anti-semitic in any way", according to Manson,<ref name="Philpot"/> supported ],<ref name="Welch"/> deemed accusations of antisemitism against ] as "ill founded",<ref name="Harpin1">{{cite news |last=Harpin|first=Lee|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/israeli-born-anti-zionist-expelled-from-labour-party-1.445722|title=Israeli-born anti-Zionist expelled from Labour Party|work=]|date=9 October 2017|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="Harpin2">{{cite news |last=Harpin|first=Lee|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/expelled-anti-zionist-moshe-machover-readmitted-to-labour-party-1.447052|title=Expelled anti-Zionist Moshe Machover readmitted to Labour Party|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=31 October 2017|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref> and opposed and condemned the expulsion of ]<ref name="Rogers">{{cite news |last=Rogers|first=Sienna|url=https://www.labourlist.org/2018/04/marc-wadsworth-expelled-from-the-labour-party/|title=Marc Wadsworth expelled from the Labour Party|work= |location= |publisher=''Labour List''|date=27 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref><ref name="voice-online">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/labour-party-chiefs-spark-backlash-over-wadsworth-expulsion|title=Labour Party chiefs spark backlash over Wadsworth expulsion|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=15 May 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref> as being "punished in advance" of the investigation and hearing of the case.<ref name="Sagir">{{cite news |last=Sagir|first=Ceren|url=https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/article/anti-racist-campaigners-expulsion-is-a-new-low-for-the-party|title=Anti-racist campaigner's expulsion is ‘a new low’ for the party, Jewish activists say|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref>


In March 2018, the Jewish Voice for Labour organised a smaller counter-demonstration,<ref name="Neilan">{{cite news |last=Neilan|first=Catherine|url=http://www.cityam.com/282931/enough-enough-jewish-leaders-blast-corbyn-over-anti|title=Corbyn supporters organise an anti-anti-Semitism rally|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=27 April 2018}}</ref> attended by around 30 people, according to '']'',<ref name="Cowburn">{{cite news |last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-party-antisemitism-jeremy-corbyn-protest-parliament-square-israel-palestine-jewish-a8274996.html|title=Hundreds of people protest outside Parliament against antisemitism in the Labour Party|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref> at an unprecedented protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party, held in ], London by 100s of Jews of all denominations. In a statement, Jewish Voice for Labour said it was "appalled" by the ]' letter and that "They do not represent us or the great majority of Jews in the party who share Jeremy Corbyn's vision for social justice and fairness. Jeremy's consistent commitment to ] is all the more needed now."<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43536830|title=Corbyn apologises for 'hurt' caused by anti-Semitism in Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref> Manson defended Corbyn on ]'s '']'', saying he had taken "enormously strong action" to deal with the issue in his party.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-43546693/daily-politics-guests-debate-whether-jeremy-corbyn-has-tackled-anti-semitism|title=Daily Politics guests debate whether Jeremy Corbyn has tackled anti-Semitism|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref> Corbyn has said of Jewish Voice for Labour, they are "committed to fighting anti-Semitism and making sure there is a Jewish voice in the party. We already have the Jewish Labour Movement. JVL was established last year and I think it is good that we have organisations within the party that are giving that voice to people."<ref name="thejc">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/corbyn-calls-jewish-voice-for-labour-good-people-1.461650|title=Corbyn calls Jewish Voice for Labour "good people"|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 March 2018|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, the JVL organised a smaller counter-demonstration,<ref name="Neilan">{{cite news |last=Neilan|first=Catherine|url=http://www.cityam.com/282931/enough-enough-jewish-leaders-blast-corbyn-over-anti|title=Corbyn supporters organise an anti-anti-Semitism rally|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=27 April 2018}}</ref> attended by around 30 people, according to '']'',<ref name="Cowburn">{{cite news |last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-party-antisemitism-jeremy-corbyn-protest-parliament-square-israel-palestine-jewish-a8274996.html|title=Hundreds of people protest outside Parliament against antisemitism in the Labour Party|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref> at a protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party, held in ], London. In a statement, JVL said it was "appalled" by the ]' letter and that "They do not represent us or the great majority of Jews in the party who share Jeremy Corbyn's vision for social justice and fairness. Jeremy's consistent commitment to ] is all the more needed now."<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-4353683|title=Corbyn apologises for 'hurt' caused by anti-Semitism in Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref> Manson defended Corbyn on ]'s '']'', saying he had taken "enormously strong action" to deal with the issue in his party.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-43546693/daily-politics-guests-debate-whether-jeremy-corbyn-has-tackled-anti-semitism|title=Daily Politics guests debate whether Jeremy Corbyn has tackled anti-Semitism|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref> Corbyn has said of JVL, they are "committed to fighting anti-Semitism and making sure there is a Jewish voice in the party. We already have the Jewish Labour Movement. JVL was established last year and I think it is good that we have organisations within the party that are giving that voice to people."<ref name="thejc">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/corbyn-calls-jewish-voice-for-labour-good-people-1.461650|title=Corbyn calls Jewish Voice for Labour "good people"|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 March 2018|accessdate=2 April 2018}}</ref>


In April, ], Labour Party member and Jewish Voice for Labour committee member, wrote in ''Labour List'': "A myth seems to have grown that we do not recognise that there is antisemitism in the Labour Party. Of course we recognise that there have been, and are, antisemites in our party. We challenge the 'Rothschild' libellers and the conspiracy theorists wherever we see them. All antisemitism is incompatible with the principles of socialism on which the Labour Party rests. If it has gone unchallenged in the past, then that was an egregious mistake, and we will hold the party to its clear commitment to root out such ideas in the future.."<ref name="Saville"/> In the same month, ] on ]'s '']'' referring to a survey conducted by ] said: "Evidence including very recent evidence commissioned by a Jewish body suggests the very worst antisemitism is still on the ], on the ] and always has been."<ref name="Harpin">{{cite news |last=Harpin|first=Lee|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/antisemitism-is-worse-on-the-right-says-jewish-voice-for-labour-s-jenny-manson-1.462994|title=Antisemitism is worse on the right says chair of Jewish Voice for Labour group|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=24 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref> In April, ], Labour Party member and JVL committee member, wrote in ''Labour List'': "A myth seems to have grown that we do not recognise that there is antisemitism in the Labour Party. Of course we recognise that there have been, and are, antisemites in our party. We challenge the 'Rothschild' libellers and the conspiracy theorists wherever we see them. All antisemitism is incompatible with the principles of socialism on which the Labour Party rests. If it has gone unchallenged in the past, then that was an egregious mistake, and we will hold the party to its clear commitment to root out such ideas in the future.."<ref name="Saville"/> In the same month, ] on ]'s '']'' referring to a survey conducted by ] said: "Evidence including very recent evidence commissioned by a Jewish body suggests the very worst antisemitism is still on the ], on the ] and always has been."<ref name="Harpin">{{cite news |last=Harpin|first=Lee|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/antisemitism-is-worse-on-the-right-says-jewish-voice-for-labour-s-jenny-manson-1.462994|title=Antisemitism is worse on the right says chair of Jewish Voice for Labour group|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=24 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref>


In the same month, Jewish Voice for Labour issued a statement saying they "strongly condemn the ]'s violent response to the ], killing 15 Palestinian civilians and wounding hundreds more" and called "for an unconditional end to Israel's inhuman ] and its brutal ] which has destroyed the lives of generations of Palestinians."<ref name="theguardian">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/03/call-for-an-end-to-the-siege-of-gaza|title= Call for an end to the siege of Gaza |work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=3 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hamas-says-most-protesters-killed-israel-gaza-were-members-n874906|title=Hamas says most of protesters killed by Israel in Gaza were members|work=NBC News|access-date=2018-07-20|language=en-US}}</ref> In the same month, JVL issued a statement saying they "strongly condemn the ]'s violent response to the ], killing 15 Palestinian civilians and wounding hundreds more" and called "for an unconditional end to Israel's inhuman ] and its brutal ] which has destroyed the lives of generations of Palestinians."<ref name="theguardian">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/03/call-for-an-end-to-the-siege-of-gaza|title= Call for an end to the siege of Gaza |work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=3 April 2018|accessdate=1 June 2018}}</ref>


In July, Labour's ] adopted a new code of conduct that defines antisemitism for the purposes of disciplinary cases brought before the National Constitutional Committee.<ref name="Lansman">{{cite news |last=Lansman|first=Jon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/12/labour-antisemitism-code-gold-standard-political-parties|title=Labour’s antisemitism code is the gold standard for political parties|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=12 July 2018|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> JVL said in a statement that the code of conduct "offers a constructive framework for moving forward in this difficult area" and it encouraged "free speech on issues to do with Israel and its treatment of the Palestinians, and with Zionism" but "much will depend on how this code of conduct is applied in practice, particularly in disciplinary cases. We are cautiously optimistic."<ref name="Winstanley">{{cite news |last=Winstanley|first=Asa|url=https://www.electronicintifada.net/blogs/asa-winstanley/calling-israel-racist-isnt-anti-semitic-rules-uk-labour|title=Calling Israel racist isn’t anti-Semitic, rules UK Labour|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=7 July 2018|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref>
After a July 2018 Labour CLP meeting, JVL Chair, Jenny Manson was condemned for allegedly comparing the IHRA definition of anti-semitism with the (now repealed) section 28 laws banning teaching of homosexuality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/jvl-chair-jenny-manson-antisemitism-ihra-section-28-1.467643|title=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/jvl-chair-jenny-manson-antisemitism-ihra-section-28-1.467643|website=www.thejc.com|access-date=2018-07-27}}</ref>

== Management & Membership ==

The membership and management of the JVL has many members in common with other groups relating to Israel, Zionism or the Palestinians:

* Messrs. Cushman, Rosenhead and Secker also run "Free speech on Israel".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10905308/officers|title=Free Speech on Israel Ltd - Officers (free information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-07-11}}</ref>

* Messrs. Levane, Wimborne-Idrissi and Secker also are directors of Jews For Justice For Palestinians Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08138012/officers|title=Jews for Justice for Palestinians Ltd - Officers (free information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-07-11}}</ref>

* The JVL also closely associates with Jackie Walker's 'Labour Against the Witch Hunt'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.labouragainstthewitchhunt.org|title=Labour against the witch-hunt|website=www.labouragainstthewitchhunt.org|language=en|access-date=2018-07-11}}</ref>

* Joseph Finlay, a spokesperson for JVL is also a founder of JewDas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/apr/03/jewdas-political-activists-make-fun-communal-bodies-jeremy-corbyn|title=Jewdas: political activists who make fun of establishment Judaism|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|date=2018-04-03|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-07-11}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Revision as of 00:18, 1 August 2018

Jewish Voice for Labour
File:Jewish Voice for Labour.jpg
AbbreviationJVL
Formation28 July 2017; 7 years ago (2017-07-28)
Region served United Kingdom
ChairJenny Manson
SecretaryGlyn Secker
TreasurerRichard Kuper
Vice-ChairLeah Levine
Key peopleMembership Officer: Mike Cushman
Media Officer: Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi
Information Officer: Jonathan Rosenhead
Parent organizationLabour Party
Websitewww.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk

Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) is an organisation for Jewish members of the Labour Party.

Premise and organisation

Jewish Voice for Labour's founding statement advocated "making the Labour Party an open, democratic and inclusive party, encouraging all ethnic groups and cultures to join and participate freely", to support a commitment "to strengthen the party in its opposition to all forms of racism, including antisemitism", and "does not make promoting the centrality of Israel to Jewish life a condition of membership".

The organisation admits full membership only to Labour Party members who identify as Jewish. All other members are associate members, without voting rights as the constitution specifies that the organisation is led by Jewish people, in that only Jews can vote on its policies. By contrast the Jewish Labour Movement accepts full membership to both non-Jewish and non-Labour Party members. In 2017, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, an executive board member of JVL, said the organisation's "longer term aim" could be to affiliate to Labour.

Jenny Manson, an activist in Jews for Justice for Palestinians and a former Labour councillor, was elected chair in July 2017. While Manson has said the organisation is "not anti-Zionist" but states that it was designed as a platform for Jews who do not support what she called the Jewish Labour Movement's "profoundly Zionist orientation", JVL's information officer, Jonathan Rosenhead shares the latter opinion. Wimborne-Idrissi has said, "We do not believe it has the right to speak as the Jewish Labour Movement on behalf of all Jews in the Labour party."

Manson stated that the organisation's two purposes are to "tackle allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party" and to uphold "the right of supporters of justice for Palestinians to engage in solidarity activities."

JVL was reported by The Times of Israel in December 2017 to be closely linked to Free Speech on Israel (FSOI) which was founded in 2016, is non-Zionist and opposes the notion that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. However, Wimborne-Idrissi rejected this claim saying they are "two separate organizations with different aims and objectives."

History

In July 2017, JVL inaugurated and on 24 September the organisation was officially launched during the second day of the Labour Party Conference at the Brighton Centre in Brighton, with over 300 people in attendance.

The organisation has objected to "unjustified allegations of antisemitism" which are "used to undermine Jeremy Corbyn's leadership". It opposed the definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance being formally accepted by the Labour Party at the 2017 Conference. This it sees as "attempts to widen the definition of antisemitism beyond its meaning of hostility towards, or discrimination against, Jews as Jews". Rosenhead sees this definition as being intentionally "vague" allowing for "the protection of Israel" via "a side door" and thus "encouraging the presumption that criticism of Israel is likely to be antisemitic". The change to the Labour Party Rule Book, which was supported by Corbyn, they see as an "anti-democratic restriction on political debate". In May 2018, the organisation with members of Free Speech on Israel produced a definition of antisemitism as "Antisemitism is a form of racism: hatred, hostility, discrimination or prejudice against Jews because they are Jews. It may be manifested in violence; denial of rights; direct, indirect or institutional discrimination; prejudice-based behaviour; or verbal or written statements. Such manifestations draw on stereotypes – characteristics which all Jews are presumed to share."

The organisation has defended individuals such as former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone who was suspended from party membership for bringing the party into disrepute. "These actions by Ken were not offensive, nor anti-semitic in any way", according to Manson, supported Jackie Walker, deemed accusations of antisemitism against Moshé Machover as "ill founded", and opposed and condemned the expulsion of Marc Wadsworth as being "punished in advance" of the investigation and hearing of the case.

In March 2018, the JVL organised a smaller counter-demonstration, attended by around 30 people, according to The Independent, at a protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party, held in Parliament Square, London. In a statement, JVL said it was "appalled" by the Board of Deputies of British Jews' letter and that "They do not represent us or the great majority of Jews in the party who share Jeremy Corbyn's vision for social justice and fairness. Jeremy's consistent commitment to anti-racism is all the more needed now." Manson defended Corbyn on BBC's Daily Politics, saying he had taken "enormously strong action" to deal with the issue in his party. Corbyn has said of JVL, they are "committed to fighting anti-Semitism and making sure there is a Jewish voice in the party. We already have the Jewish Labour Movement. JVL was established last year and I think it is good that we have organisations within the party that are giving that voice to people."

In April, Ian Saville, Labour Party member and JVL committee member, wrote in Labour List: "A myth seems to have grown that we do not recognise that there is antisemitism in the Labour Party. Of course we recognise that there have been, and are, antisemites in our party. We challenge the 'Rothschild' libellers and the conspiracy theorists wherever we see them. All antisemitism is incompatible with the principles of socialism on which the Labour Party rests. If it has gone unchallenged in the past, then that was an egregious mistake, and we will hold the party to its clear commitment to root out such ideas in the future.." In the same month, Jenny Manson on BBC Radio 4's Today programme referring to a survey conducted by Campaign Against Antisemitism said: "Evidence including very recent evidence commissioned by a Jewish body suggests the very worst antisemitism is still on the right, on the far right and always has been."

In the same month, JVL issued a statement saying they "strongly condemn the Israeli army's violent response to the Land Day demonstration in Gaza, killing 15 Palestinian civilians and wounding hundreds more" and called "for an unconditional end to Israel's inhuman siege of Gaza and its brutal occupation of the West Bank which has destroyed the lives of generations of Palestinians."

In July, Labour's National Executive Committee adopted a new code of conduct that defines antisemitism for the purposes of disciplinary cases brought before the National Constitutional Committee. JVL said in a statement that the code of conduct "offers a constructive framework for moving forward in this difficult area" and it encouraged "free speech on issues to do with Israel and its treatment of the Palestinians, and with Zionism" but "much will depend on how this code of conduct is applied in practice, particularly in disciplinary cases. We are cautiously optimistic."

See also

Reference

  1. ^ Manson, Jenny; Levy, Raphael (28 September 2017). "Jewish Voice for Labour is not an anti-Zionist group". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 February 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "New organisation founded for Jewish Labour Party members". Jewish Voice for Labour. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  3. ^ Rosenhead, Jonathan (11 October 2017). "A new Jewish voice for Labour". openDemocracy. Retrieved 1 February 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ Sugarman, Daniel (25 August 2017). "New Jewish group launched in Labour". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 March 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ Saville, Ian (25 April 2018). "There are a lot of myths about Jewish Voice for Labour. Here's the truth". Labour List. Retrieved 25 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ Philpot, Robert (15 December 2017). "UK's new Jewish Voice for Labour seeks to throw off the 'shackles' of Israel". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. Sugarman, Daniel (25 August 2017). "New Jewish group launched in Labour". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 1 July 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. Doherty, Rosa (19 June 2018). "Meet Jeremy Corbyn's devoted Jewish defender: Jenny Manson". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 1 July 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Welch, Bem (3 April 2018). "What is JVL?". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 30 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. Manson, Jenny (6 October 2017). "Head of new Jewish Labour party: We should be focusing on Islamophobia, not punishing Ken Livingstone". Talkradio. Retrieved 1 July 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. Daisley, Stephen (16 October 2017). "The British Labour Party's 'Kosher Stamp' for Anti-Semitism". The Tablet. Retrieved 26 March 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. "Jewish Voice for Labour offer new anti-Semitism definition". The Times of Israel. 17 May 2018. Retrieved 17 May 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. Harpin, Lee (9 October 2017). "Israeli-born anti-Zionist expelled from Labour Party". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  14. Harpin, Lee (31 October 2017). "Expelled anti-Zionist Moshe Machover readmitted to Labour Party". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. Rogers, Sienna (27 April 2018). "Marc Wadsworth expelled from the Labour Party". Labour List. Retrieved 1 June 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. "Labour Party chiefs spark backlash over Wadsworth expulsion". The Voice. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. Sagir, Ceren (28 April 2018). "Anti-racist campaigner's expulsion is 'a new low' for the party, Jewish activists say". Morning Star. Retrieved 1 June 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. Neilan, Catherine (26 March 2018). "Corbyn supporters organise an anti-anti-Semitism rally". City A.M. Retrieved 27 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. Cowburn, Ashley (26 March 2018). "Hundreds of people protest outside Parliament against antisemitism in the Labour Party". The Independent. Retrieved 30 March 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. "Corbyn apologises for 'hurt' caused by anti-Semitism in Labour". BBC News. 26 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. "Daily Politics guests debate whether Jeremy Corbyn has tackled anti-Semitism". BBC News. 26 March 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. "Corbyn calls Jewish Voice for Labour "good people"". The Jewish Chronicle. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. Harpin, Lee (24 April 2018). "Antisemitism is worse on the right says chair of Jewish Voice for Labour group". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 1 June 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. "Call for an end to the siege of Gaza". The Guardian. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. Lansman, Jon (12 July 2018). "Labour's antisemitism code is the gold standard for political parties". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 August 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. Winstanley, Asa (7 July 2018). "Calling Israel racist isn't anti-Semitic, rules UK Labour". The Electronic Intifada. Retrieved 1 August 2018. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

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