Jeremy Corbyn has anti-Semitic views, says Jewish chief
Jeremy Corbyn has been accused of holding 'anti-Semitic views' by one of Britain's senior Jewish leaders.
Jonathan Arkush, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the Labour leader's election as PM could drive Jewish people out of the UK.
He said that, after Mr Corbyn failed to stamp out anti-Semitism in his party, Jewish people had been left asking each other: 'Do we have a future here?'
In his final interview before stepping down, Mr Arkush – one of two Jewish leaders who met Mr Corbyn in March – said he believed the Labour leader 'has views which are anti-Semitic, and he has problematic views'.
Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) has been accused of holding 'anti-Semitic views' by one of Britain's senior Jewish leaders
He added: 'With the election of Jeremy Corbyn, it seemed people who had a habit of participating in anti-Semitic discourse thought some sort of space had opened up for them.'
Mr Arkush said he had asked the Labour leader: 'Why is there nothing good you can say about Israel?' But he said Mr Corbyn could not give him an answer.
Mr Arkush told The Daily Telegraph: 'Delegitimising the state of Israel is anti-Semitic. He was a chairman of Stop The War, which is responsible for some of the worst anti-Israel discourse. He has never disavowed that sentiment.
Jonathan Arkush (second from left), president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the Labour leader's election as PM could drive Jewish people out of the UK
'Is this double speak? What are we supposed to think? If he shares the prevalent discourse about Israel, then that view is unquestionably anti-Semitic.'
On what would happen if Mr Corbyn became PM, he said: 'Will it become worse? Yes, it will be bound to. Unless he took steps that were very clear that firmly, clearly and effectively addressed all forms of racism.'
A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: 'These are unfounded and outrageous personal attacks without any evidence to support them.
'Jonathan Arkush's attempt to conflate strong criticism of Israeli state policies with anti-Semitism is wrong and undermines the fight both against anti-Semitism and for justice for the Palestinians. It should be rejected outright.'