OPINION: A desperate attempt to discredit me and the National Jewish Assembly

Last week, Jewish News revealed that James Marlow, chief executive of newly-launched communal organisation the National Jewish Assembly – set up as an alternative to the Board of Deputies – expressed sympathy for far-right activist and convicted fraudster Tommy Robinson in a series of social media posts, compared gay people to paedophiles, claimed sexuality is a “choice” and derided Reform conversions. This is his right of reply.

I am responding to the allegations made against me that I support Tommy Robinson, am anti-gay and anti-reform.

The tweets referred to are all from several years ago and are regretfully taken completely out of context. At that time, Tommy Robinson was seen regularly on the BBC and Good Morning Britain and I interviewed him when he returned from Israel for a piece that in the end, never made it into the JC.  For the record, Robinson said he loved Israel, admired the Jewish nation and said he had no problem with any people, including Muslims, but was simply opposed to the Islamists and those who wish to destroy Israel.

The tweet in question shows a video that Tommy Robinson was physically attacked on the street and a bodyguard stepped in with a “right hand.”

I tweeted, “Great right hander by your aid – watched it 3 times.” I was training with CST at the time and viewed many self-defence clips, and I regret that this tweet in March 2016 was clearly misunderstood. However, if some are saying, “It’s OK because it was only Robinson who was assaulted”, this is also wholly unacceptable. Violence should be called out no matter who is doing the attacking.

Elsewhere, LBC’s James O’Brien, known for his liberal opinions and making fun of those who have a different view, took a call from someone about Tommy Robinson. As a listener, I thought it was great radio and re-tweeted someone’s comment “James O’Brien refuses to listen to the caller. Lefties do not see the problem”. In addition, I added my own words: “Great call, he wasn’t intimated by the liberal presenter”. That was it.

I simply believe all views should be heard in a respectful manner.

Democracy is NOT about shutting down the other side in a loud, aggressive and sometimes violent way. But most importantly, none of these tweets were meant to show any support for Tommy Robinson and I think most people recognise that. I have said during many talks that he is toxic and creates division.

In addition, I have personal experience of being physically attacked by some of his supporters, when covering the London Al Quds day march. One year, members of the far-right turned up and as I filmed some of them when they shouted abuse, I was set upon, in front of police.

In summary, to associate myself with Tommy Robinson is a desperate attempt to discredit me and the NJA.

On the subject about “paedophiles” and how it was suggested that I compare them to gay people, which is a libellous comment, the article’s caption clearly shows that I retweeted an article about an academic conference held at the University of Cambridge. I simply quoted a line from the article, which again has been taken completely out of context and as space does not allow me to elaborate, here is a link for readers to draw their own conclusions.

As for the Twitter debate with Israel critic and activist Max Blumenthal, who misrepresented an article written in the Jerusalem Post, Blumenthal attempted to convince his followers that reform Jews were vehemently anti-Israel and suggested they needed to convert more.

During our online exchange, I successfully proved that he was “making it up” and in addition, wrote “And besides a Reform conversion is not Jewish anyhow”.

Never have I ever said that reform Jews are NOT Jewish, and I challenge the trolls to waste further time in looking for such a statement. I was clearly referring to the reform conversion process which is not and never will be halachically accepted. I understand that reform and liberal clergy also explain this to their “converts” and that certificates will not be accepted by the United, Federation or Adass Yisrael congregations.

Last week NJA launched, an excellent “grass roots” organisation which is NOT competing with any other body, but instead offers an addition to our many community resources. The NJA is a congressional Jewish body, and anyone can join to promote Jewish life, support Israel and fight antisemitism.