• I WROTE to the New Journal earlier this year, standing in complete solidarity with all those who have experienced racism, (Tone of attack on candidates was unacceptable, February 1).

I have never experienced anti-Semitism directed at me by those in the Labour Party, nor have I seen it – but I would never deny anyone else’s experience.

As a woman who is mixed race, Persian-Jewish, I am proud of the Labour Party’s record of being on the right side of history when it comes to women’s, LGBT and ethnic minority rights, including Labour’s long-standing commitment to fighting against anti-Semitism wherever it is found.

Councillor Gio Spinella, leader of Camden Conservatives, wrote a letter in the New Journal directly attacking me, his only Jewish opponent (Camden is at the forefront of the anti-Semitism battle, January 25).

Being accused of anti-Semitism for political gain by non-Jewish political opponents has sadly become part of the mainstream political discourse and it is deeply hurtful to see those who have rarely been vocal in the fight against racism try to politicise Jewish voters in this way, by spreading a narrative of fear, just in time for the local elections.

I am the only Jewish candidate running in Frognal & Fitzjohns ward and I’m proud to be running with Labour, the party that has been at the forefront of the fight against racism for decades.

REBECCA SHIRAZI
Labour candidate for Frognal & Fitzjohns ward