Blogger suspended by SNP over ‘vile antisemitic’ post about Jewish official
Article aimed towards Jewish GMB Union activist Rhea Wolfson included references to Hitler, and accused 'the Jew' of trying to take over the movement
A blogger has had his SNP membership suspended following the publication of a post described as “vile” and “antisemitic”.
The blog was aimed towards GMB organiser Rhea Wolfson and included references to Hitler “accusing ‘the Jew’ of gradually assuming leadership of the trade union movement”.
It was shared across social media platforms, including on the SNP Edinburgh East Twitter page, Livingston East Facebook page and the campaign page of two West Lothian councillors.
The author of the Grouse Beater blog, Gareth Wardell, said the essay was an attack on fascism and that political opponents had “tried to make it sound sinister”.
The Scottish Labour Party and the GMB wrote letters to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for an investigation into the post.
An SNP spokesman said: “A complaint has been passed to the disciplinary committee and the individual has been suspended.”
There are also calls for the suspension of SNP Councillor Frank Anderson, a representative of East Livingston and East Calder, after he initially defended the post.
GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said: “The SNP’s suspension of Mr Wardell was the only logical course of action to take. GMB will also be contacting Police Scotland to establish what further action can be taken.
“However, the apology from Councillor Anderson is insufficient in light of the earlier defence of his comments. We believe this is contrived and insincere. He should be sacked from his elected position and his political membership should be suspended.
“As we said earlier, no political party has clean hands on the issue of antisemitism but nobody should need any reminders that antisemitism is on the rise and we in GMB are clear that it is absolutely intolerable.
“The Councillor’s position is untenable and if he cannot do the right thing himself then the SNP must take that decision for him.”
Councillor Anderson said: “I’ve now had the opportunity to properly understand the offence caused to Rhea Wolfson by this blog.
“I was unaware of her Jewish heritage and therefore did not appreciate how hurtful the words would be.
“I unreservedly apologise to her for my embarrassing lack of understanding of these issues and my part in the offence that she has suffered.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.