Shul Defends Corbyn Invite
A north London synagogue this week defended its decision to invite an MP who has called for sanctions against Israel to a gala celebration to mark 350 years of British Jewry.
Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn will attend a Shabbat Kiddush at North London Progressive Community because he represents the constituency of Islington North, which borders Stoke Newington, where the shul is located.
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Zionist Federation President Eric Moonman said: “If it was a synagogue in his constituency, then it would be a civic responsibility to invite him. In the circumstances, inviting MPs who are not within the area of the synagogue is dependent on how the local community perceives the support given by the particular MP. I am afraid Jeremy Corbyn does not come into that category...I think this is a mistake.”
He added that he hoped members of the local community would encourage Corbyn “to take a more equitable and positive view of Israel’s role in the Middle East”.
But NLPC’s Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu defended the decision, pointing out that all local MPs and mayors representing the synagogue’s catchment area of Hackney, Islington and Haringey had been invited.
She added: “I think our community is prepared to open a conversation with any of our democratic leaders. We may not agree but we are nevertheless proud to be forging ahead as a fast growing liberal Jewish community in Hackney. That does mean holding discussions with people with other views. At the same time, our community members represent a diverse range of views.”
Liberal Judaism Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich told TJ: "I know Jeremy Corbyn well. I don't agree with his views on Israel. Nevertheless, he is an elected local member of parliament with a good record of working with the Jewish community in many areas including for example chaplaincy provision in prisons. I therefore support the decision of Rabbi Ambalu and her community to invite Jeremy Corbyn and who knows, we may yet persuade him concerning some of the issues about which he and I might disagree.”
He added: "Jeremy Corbyn is an experienced parliamentarian and tenacious debater and I would always be happy to have an exchange of views with him on any matter.”
Fellow Labour MP Louise Ellman, who represents Liverpool Riverside, said: "I’m glad he's going. I hope it helps him to understand Jewish concerns."
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