Jeremy Corbyn

• IN the maelstrom of accusations and anger in which the Labour Party has become embroiled I urge all members to openly and unequivocally endorse Jeremy Corbyn’s statement that he is “committed to making our party a welcoming and secure place for Jewish people”.

Right now this is not the case for many Jews within the party. Nor is it the perception outside the party that a genuine effort is being made to achieve this commitment.

To me and many like me there seems to be an obsession within the party locally concerning Jews, defining what does and does not constitute anti-Semitism and Israel, which is disproportionate, stifling debate on other international and national issues that unite us, and making Jews like me feel unwelcome and insecure.

I became an activist in the Labour Party to fight for social justice and our precious threatened public services, not sit in meetings where I feel the intense hostility of too many people in the room, month after month debating and passing motions about a subject that creates a threatening, and angry atmosphere.

I hope going forward that all members will heed Jeremy Corbyn’s statement as well as the strong supportive stand taken by our MP Keir Starmer and council leader Georgia Gould, and make the party once again a natural home for Jewish people.

SUSIE GILBERT
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