British Prime Minister Theresa May told leaders of the UK’s Jewish community on Monday there can be no excuses for anti-Semitism or “unacceptable” calls to boycott Israeli goods.
In a direct attack on opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn ahead of the Labour Party conference next weekend, she said criticising the actions of Israel’s government could never be an excuse for “hatred against the Jewish people” in an address at the United Jewish Israel Appeal’s (UJIA) 70th anniversary dinner.
“I stand with the UJIA. I stand with Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. And I stand with the entire Jewish community in Britain,” May said.
May went on to call out the stain of anti-Semitism spreading across Europe saying, “I know some in our Jewish community say they are fearful of the future… I do not underestimate the threat posed by those who promote anti-Semitism, or hatred in any form. Nor the pernicious nature of what those people say and what they stand for.”
“There are no excuses for any kind of hatred towards the Jewish people,” said May.
Issues of anti-Israel sentiment were also addressed with May adding, “to suggest Israel is a racist endeavor – is that those voices seek to separate the Jewish diaspora in our country from their connection with Israel.”
The Conservative leader finished on a note of optimism, saying “My answer to the voices of antisemitism is that we will defeat you… my answer to those who say they are fearful, is to say I will always stand with you.”
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