UK Jewish Groups Condemn Israeli Minister's Invite of Far-Right Figure Tommy Robinson
Jewish community leaders criticize decision as UK reels from Manchester synagogue attack.
LONDON: The invitation of far-right UK figure Tommy Robinson by Israel's minister for the diaspora and combating antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, has drawn significant criticism from members of the UK's Jewish community.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council have described him as 'the very worst of Britain,' criticizing the decision to invite him during the community's 'darkest hour' following a terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue that left two dead.Robinson, who has been invited as a 'courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam,' is known for his history of convictions, including for violence and fraud.
His acceptance of the invitation has been condemned by various sections of UK society, including Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim woman to serve in a Cabinet role, who criticized the decision as sowing division at a time when communities are uniting in support of the affected Jewish community.Robinson, founder of the far-right English Defence League, has faced legal troubles and is currently on trial for harassing journalists.
His previous actions, such as organizing a London rally that drew 150,000 attendees and resulted in over 150 reports of anti-Muslim hate, further underline his controversial reputation.The Israeli minister's decision has been criticized by Jewish leadership as an action that disregards the views of the majority of British Jews who reject Robinson and his ideologies.
The controversy highlights complex issues related to combating extremism while also addressing concerns about community divisions and alliances with figures known for incendiary rhetoric.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council have described him as 'the very worst of Britain,' criticizing the decision to invite him during the community's 'darkest hour' following a terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue that left two dead.Robinson, who has been invited as a 'courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam,' is known for his history of convictions, including for violence and fraud.
His acceptance of the invitation has been condemned by various sections of UK society, including Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim woman to serve in a Cabinet role, who criticized the decision as sowing division at a time when communities are uniting in support of the affected Jewish community.Robinson, founder of the far-right English Defence League, has faced legal troubles and is currently on trial for harassing journalists.
His previous actions, such as organizing a London rally that drew 150,000 attendees and resulted in over 150 reports of anti-Muslim hate, further underline his controversial reputation.The Israeli minister's decision has been criticized by Jewish leadership as an action that disregards the views of the majority of British Jews who reject Robinson and his ideologies.
The controversy highlights complex issues related to combating extremism while also addressing concerns about community divisions and alliances with figures known for incendiary rhetoric.
