Baroness Tonge blames Israel following Pittsburgh synagogue attack

Baroness Jenny Tonge has claimed Israel is to blame for a resurgence in antisemitism, just hours after Robert Bowers allegedly killed 11 people in yesterday’s Pittsburgh synagogue attack.

The anti-Israel peer took little time in blaming Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, saying its actions against Palestinians has resulted in a fresh wave of antisemitic feeling.

Writing on social media, just hours after the attack, which saw 11 people killed during a Shabbat service at The Tree of Life Congregation, she said: “Absolutely appalling and a criminal act, but does it ever occur to Bibi and the present Israeli government that it’s actions against Palestinians may be reigniting anti Semitism?

I suppose someone will say that it is anti Semitic to say so?

Conservative Friends of Israel Parliamentary Chairman in the House of Lords, Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles, and CFI Honorary President Lord Polak CBE have condemned Baroness Tonge’s “callous inflammatory” response.

They said: “We utterly condemn the shocking assertion by Baroness Tonge that the murder of Jews in Pittsburgh is the fault of the Israeli Government. This callous inflammatory posting, on social media, is in clear violation of the IHRA definition of Antisemitism adopted by the UK Government. For a Member of the House of Lords to publish such hateful thoughts brings Parliament into disrepute.

“Saturday was International Freedom of Religion Day. There is no greater freedom than to be able to attend a place of worship openly and safely. The murderous attack on American Jews exercising that freedom shames not only the USA but the whole world.

“The vile antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is a clear example of where intolerance and hatred lead if unchecked. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heinous crime. Pittsburgh shows us that we must all stand together to combat Antisemitism wherever it appears”.