Jeremy Corbyn has spoken out about anti-Semitism following a vigil at the scene of an assault in Highbury last night.
Speaking exclusively to City News reporter, Sabah Choudhry, the Labour leader displayed the party’s intentions.
“We need to do a number of things to oppose the rise of […] any form of racism, including anti-Semitism.”
Corbyn added, “racism is obviously evil.”
Following the attack, Corbyn encouraged any witnesses to contact the police.
Islington Councillor, Claudia Webbe, expressed solidarity with those who witnessed the event:
Today in Islington an elderly man was violently assaulted because he was Jewish. This racist attack has shaken our community.
I've spoken with local councillors and we will be supporting the police.
I urge anyone who saw anything to contact the police.https://t.co/gndOVbivbg
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 27, 2019
What incident was Mr Corbyn referring to?
The assault took place on Tuesday afternoon at Highbury and Islington station, in Corbyn’s constituency . Witnesses report that a 44-year-old man attacked a 69-year-old Jewish man who had a walking stick.
“He was asked the question are you Jewish and before he could answer, his head was beaten, his body was beaten and he was pouring blood,” said local Stand up to Racism organiser Paul Holborrow.
Councilor Webbe echoed Corbyn’s condemnation at the vigil organised by Stand up to Racism yesterday evening. “We will not tolerate racism, anti-semitism, hate or abuse of any kind. It is not welcome in Islington.”
Approximately 60 people participated in the vigil which included speeches by members of the local Jewish, Muslim and Catholic communities. “That at a few hours notice to get a wide range of […] views represented was exactly the sort of movement we need to build” said Holborrow.
Scotland Yard are treating the incident as a hate crime. “It’s really important not to exaggerate this but the echoes of the 1930s are unavoidable” said Holborrow.
MP Suspension
The condemnation comes after the Labour party suspended MP Chris Williamson for his comments at a party meeting. Williamson said Labour had taken anti-Semitism “too seriously.”
“I think it’s very important that communities come together and we ensure we deal with big problems by bringing people together,” said Corbyn.
