• WE have repeatedly warned that the adoption of the anti-Semitism definition put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance would stifle free speech.

This has now happened in Tower Hamlets, where the council refused permission to use one of its parks for the closing rally of the Big Ride for Palestine, a cycling event in support of Palestinians.

Following an application under the Freedom of Information Act, the council in Tower Hamlet had to disclose internal emails which show that the decision to disallow the event was made on the basis of concerns that the event risked violating the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.

Council officers clearly believed an event focused on Palestinian experiences of dispossession and oppression would be labelled as anti-Semitic. None of these concerns were addressed with the organisers of the event, who were given an entirely different rationale for permission being refused.

We believe that the council’s decision constituted an unlawful interference with the freedoms of expression, assembly and conscience combined with a misapplication of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.

We are concerned that Camden Council, which has also adopted the unfortunate IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, will at some point follow Tower Hamlets in attempting to silence the peaceful voice of Palestinians opposing the regime in Israel.

Camden has a long history of radical activism of which many of us are proud, including the current council leader Georgia Gould. Camden was at the forefront of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

International solidarity is very much alive in Camden and will not be silenced. Anti-Semitism is a heinous crime which must be fought with all our energies, but not at the cost of silencing Palestinians.

SABBY SAGALL
Chair, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Camden Branch

LUCA SALICE
Press Officer

GEOFF LEE
Treasurer