200 British Jews pledge to support Corbyn despite antisemitism concerns

Open letter of support for Labour signed by Turner prize winner Tai Shani, barrister Sir Geoffrey Bindman, actress Miriam Margolyes, author Michael Rosen and Susie Orbach

A group of almost 200 British Jews have said they will still be voting for the Labour Party this week, despite concerns over institutional antisemitism.

They pledged their support in an open letter signed by Turner prize winner Tai Shani, leading barrister Sir Geoffrey Bindman, actress Miriam Margolyes, children’s author Michael Rosen and psychotherapist Susie Orbach among others.

Businessman Henry Stewart, one of the signatories, said: “We feel it is very important to show that there is an alternative voice to the mainstream view of near-universal hostility to Labour and that this is consistent with Jewish values.”

The signatories say: “We are extremely concerned by recent antisemitic attacks, but recognise that all minorities will be safest when the wider community feels secure.

“This cannot happen when the government pursues divisive policies, completely at odds with the Jewish tradition of social justice and likely to fuel the rise of the far-right. We urge all our fellow citizens, Jewish and non-Jewish, who wish to see a fairer and more cohesive society, to vote Labour.”