• I WAS lucky enough to learn mathematical logic from Moshé Machover in the early 1980s.

The whole class was mesmerised by his ability to convey very complex ideas in a clear and simple way.

He did not talk much about his outside interests but we knew that he held unusual views on the foundations of mathematics – as a constructivist he did not believe that double negations can be eliminated. We also knew that he was a Marxist and a passionate opponent of Zionism.

I was in awe of him like all the other students and academics, including his boss, Professor Heinz Post, who was then head of department and was very proud of having offered him a post when Machover left Israel in 1968.

I met Moshé again some 20 years later after I became involved in the movement to defend the human rights of Palestinians.

That Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party should expel Moshé under accusations of anti-Semitism leaves one speechless. No evidence seems to have been provided to substantiate those allegations other than the fact that he stood up for Palestinians all his life.

If somebody like Moshé can be expelled on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations, what next?

I urge Moshé to appeal against his expulsion on behalf of all of us who feel that anti-Semitism must be defeated but that it does not equate to opposition to Zionism. Zionism is a political doctrine, and we should all be free to endorse it or oppose it.

LUCA SALICE, NW5