University lecturer and Redbridge local election candidate backed ‘peace deal with Hitler’

A senior lecturer at the University of East London, who is standing on a pro-Palestine ticket in the forthcoming local elections, has suggested that Britain should have entered into a “simple deal with Hitler” and “made peace with the Nazis” to prevent the Second World War.

Marwan Elfallah, a lecturer in the University of East London’s Department of Education, School of Childhood and Social Care, is standing for the Redbridge Independents in May’s local council elections.

A leading figure in the Redbridge Community Action Group, Elfallah was previously at the centre of a campaign to unseat Wes Streeting at the last general election in his Ilford North seat, repeatedly accusing the Health Secretary of being under the control of the “Israel lobby.”

At a meeting in the London borough this week, Jeremy Corbyn announced his endorsement of the Redbridge Independents’ local election campaign, telling supporters: “Let’s change our world.”

However, social media posts uncovered by Jewish News reveal that Elfallah has disputed claims that Britain fought in two world wars because of the threat from Germany and the risk of invasion.

He responded online: “Britain wasn’t under threat if they made peace with the Nazis. Simple deal with hitler (sic) and (the) UK would have been very safe.”

Asked for comment on Elfallah’s stance, a spokesperson for the University of East London said: “At the University of East London, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK’s most socially inclusive universities, where antisemitism and all forms of discrimination have no place.

“Beyond just policies, we actively champion anti-racism through comprehensive EDI training and dedicated sessions designed to ensure every student and staff member feels supported. We have clear reporting processes and dedicated support for anyone who needs it.”

Elfallah did not respond to a request for comment made by Jewish News.

Further analysis of recent posts by the lecturer reveals his recent claim: “The struggle for Palestinian freedom must remain globalised!”

In defiance of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s move to have police arrest those using the “globalise the intifada” chant at pro-Palestine demonstrations, he posted ironically: “I hope that comment won’t land me in jail.”

In another post, following a Jewish News report confirming Jewish Labour MP Damian Egan had been banned from a school visit in Bristol, Elfallah wrote: “MPs who openly support the genocidal regime of Israel should be banned from all schools, whether they are Muslim, Christian, Jewish or Hindu…”

He also shared a post mocking freed Gaza hostage Emily Damari on her release, claiming she was actually part of a “genocidal army.”

Online footage further shows Elfallah urging supporters to target Streeting in Ilford North by claiming the cabinet minister “is heavily funded by lobby groups… from the UK pro-Israel lobby.”

He added: “We need to clean up our politics so we don’t fund and support a genocidal state!”

Jewish News understands Elfallah was asked to leave a Redbridge Council meeting last week by the mayor after being accused of using abusive language.

The Redbridge Independents currently hold one seats on the council and have had three further defections from the Labour Group.

In March 2025, Noor Jahan Begum became the borough’s first elected independent councillor.

However, in December, Begum was found in breach of the Code of Conduct after making false allegations against a Muslim Labour colleague—including claims about his alleged support for Israel and Zionism, despite his record of supporting Palestinian rights.

Begum denied distributing misleading leaflets against Councillor Tanweer Khan, chair of Redbridge Council’s Pension Fund Committee.

However, an independent investigation and formal public hearing by Redbridge Council’s Standards Committee found that Councillor Begum misled the investigation, lied during the process, and colluded with her niece, who had submitted a separate complaint against Councillor Khan.