We the undersigned, all Jews, are writing in support of Chris Williamson and to register our dismay at the recent letter organised by Tom Watson, and signed by parliamentary Labour party and House of Lords members, calling for his suspension (Anger over return of MP who said Labour was \u2018too apologetic\u2019 over antisemitism<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, 28 June).<\/span><\/p>\n Chris Williamson did not say that the party had been \u201ctoo apologetic about antisemitism\u201d, as has been widely misreported. He correctly stated that the Labour party has done more than any other party to combat the scourge of antisemitism and that, therefore, its stance should be less apologetic.<\/span><\/p>\n Such attacks on Jeremy Corbyn\u2019s supporters aim to undermine not only the Labour party\u2019s leadership<\/strong><\/span><\/a> but also all pro-Palestinian members.<\/span><\/p>\n The mass media have ignored the huge support for Chris both within and beyond the Labour party. Support that includes many Jews. The party needs people like him, with the energy and determination to fight for social justice.<\/span><\/p>\n As anti-racist Jews, we regard Chris as our ally: he stands as we do with the oppressed rather than the oppressor. It should also be noted that he has a longer record of campaigning against racism and fascism than most of his detractors.<\/span><\/p>\n The Chakrabarti report recommended that the party\u2019s disciplinary procedures respect due process, favour education over expulsion and promote a culture of free speech, yet this has been abandoned in practice. We ask the Labour party to reinstate Chris Williamson and cease persecuting such members on false allegations of antisemitism.<\/span><\/p>\n Noam Chomsky<\/strong>, MIT<\/em><\/span> For the full list of signatories, click here<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. This letter was previously published in The Guardian, but was removed \u201cpending investigation\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n Source<\/a><\/p>\n The list of signatories included a number of people previously suspended for anti-Semitism and at least one 9\/11 Truther.<\/span><\/p>\n The Guardian has removed a letter<\/strong><\/span><\/a> submitted by \u201cprominent members of the Jewish community\u201d in support of Chris Williamson<\/a><\/strong><\/span> after questions were raised about the authenticity and views of some of the signatories.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nNorman Finkelstein<\/strong>, Lecturer and writer<\/em><\/span>
\nEd Asner<\/strong>, Actor<\/em><\/span>
\nProf Richard Falk<\/strong>, Princeton University<\/em><\/span>
\nLeah Lavene and Jenny Manson<\/strong>, Jewish Voice for Labour<\/em><\/span>
\n\u2026and more than 100 others.<\/span><\/p>\n‘Misleading And Inaccurate’ Letter Supporting MP Chris Williamson Removed By The Guardian<\/h2>\n
Chris York \u2013 Huffington Post July 9, 2019<\/h3>\n