Woman who said ‘Zionists abuse memory of Shoah’ to back Israel, in mayoral bid

 A left-wing activist who once said “Zionists abuse the memory of the Holocaust to bolster support for Israel and its murderous policies” is to stand as Labour’s candidate for West Midlands’ mayor.

Salma Yacoob, former vice-chair of the defunct Respect Party set up by George Galloway, said on Wednesday that she would challenge the current Conservative mayor Andy Street in May 2020.

Her candidacy was welcomed by Jon Lansman, a member of Labour’s ruling national executive and co-founder of grassroots group Momentum.

However, in a comment piece for The Guardian in December 2006, while arguing for Muslims to take part in Holocaust remembrance services, she said conflict in the Middle East had been the principal reason for Muslim reluctance.