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Jewish Labour Movement’s anti-semitism training is pro-Israel propaganda, say left Labour groups

A NUMBER of left Labour groups have urged members to boycott an upcoming training session on anti-semitism offered by the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM), which they say is a “propaganda organ” for the Israeli state.

The call was made by campaign groups Labour Against the Witchhunt, the Labour Campaign for Free Speech, the Labour Left Alliance and the Labour in Exile Network.

They said that members should instead hold education sessions to discuss the difference between anti-zionism and anti-semitism, as well as on recognising and combating all forms of racism.

A joint statement said: “The JLM is not an unbiased training organisation. It is affiliated to the World Zionist Organisation, whose stated mission is to settle the land of Israel.

“As such, it cannot help [being] associated with the terrible bloodshed, atrocities and ongoing infringement of human rights of the people of Palestine. 

“No self-respecting member of the Labour Party can have anything to do with such an organisation.

“In the past, [JLM] has been shown to have close links to the Israeli embassy and to the racist Labour Party of Israel,” the statement continued.

“It also stands accused of doing everything in its power to weaponise false and exaggerated charges of anti-semitism in order to undermine former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his supporters.”

Invitations to take part in the training have been sent to members by Labour Party general secretary David Evans.

Directing members towards its own resources, Jewish Voice for Labour said it considers education about anti-semitism and all forms of racism and discrimination to be vitally important, and did not call for a boycott.

“We hope that participation in the sessions … will stimulate a thoughtful and informed conversation across the party,” it said.

Labour was approached for comment.

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