I AM probably typical of many people who joined the Labour Party after Jeremy Corbyn became leader. We dared to hope for an end to unbridled neoliberalism and a more principled approach to foreign policy.

The consequent upsurge in membership was responsible for the heavy blow dealt to the Tory majority in 2017.

For many, part of the attraction was that a government headed by Corbyn, who had shown support for oppressed groups throughout his political career, would take more seriously the concerns of those of us campaigning for the application of international law in Israel/Palestine.

It was perhaps predictable that his stance on both the economy and on Israel/Palestine would be seen as a major threat in some quarters.

Now, campaigners for Palestinian rights are told we joined largely because we hoped Corbyn would promote an anti-semitic agenda.

Such an appalling accusation is based on two premises: that the “hard left” is intrinsically anti-semitic (we are supposed to believe in some sort of Jewish conspiracy to rule the world); and that anti-semitism and anti-zionism are synonymous.

Both assertions can be easily refuted. But if they are accepted, it is possible to discredit the left, while silencing all criticism of Israel.

In a functioning democracy the assertions would be put under close scrutiny in the mainstream media and alternative voices would be heard.

Instead they are being promoted with all possible force, not only by unconditional supporters of Israel but also by the mainstream media, the right wing of the party and the establishment as a whole. The recent Panorama programme was typical, in the total absence of any opposing arguments.

Far from challenging the allegation that anti-semitism is rife in the party, the leadership itself is disastrously and self-destructively presiding over a well-publicised witch hunt.

My dilemma, and that of other members campaigning on Palestine is: do I wait for the “knock on the door,” so to speak, to be summoned and traduced by the NCC, as has happened to other campaigners?

Or do I leave the party in disgust – although I still believe that only the Labour Party can deliver economic regeneration and social justice?

The anti-Corbynites would prefer the latter. But if all of the so-called “hard left” leave, the chances of a Labour victory will be greatly diminished. Something that should give every member of the Parliamentary Labour Party pause for thought, together with every aspiring candidate.

Dr Hilary Wise is a former senior lecturer in linguistics at Queen Mary University.