From the moment Luciana Berger, a Jewish Member of Parliament (MP), was elected to represent a Liverpool district in in Britain’s parliament in 2013, she’s been subject to grotesque anti-Semitic bullying.
Online trolls have called for her death. They’ve published pictures of her superimposed with Nazi-era Jewish stars. Anti-Semites sent her threats and pornography, accused her of being loyal to Israel not to Britain, and threatened to murder her. A year after becoming an MP, Mrs. Berger testified in court that a Welsh activist terrorized her by spreading an online “Filthy Jew B*** campaign” which encouraged anti-Semites to turn up to Mrs. Burger’s constituency offices and hurl vile abuse at her and her staff.
“It’s fair to say I was the most concerned I have ever been about my personal safety,” Mrs. Berger explained in court. Police officers were stationed in both her home and her offices. “What happens online does not always stay online,” Mrs. Berger explained. She was worried that anti-Semites were out to do real harm.
The abuse never stopped. American neo-Nazis harassed, called her obscene names, and slanderously claimed she was bribed by Israel. In 2017 a British online harasser was jailed for three months for sending Mrs. Berger pictures of knives, threatening to kill her and calling her “Jewish scum”. “This caused me to feel physically sick,” Mrs. Berger explained in court. Now nine months pregnant, she continues to find herself the recipient of anti-Semitic abuse.
Luciana Berger received scant support from her party. In 2015, Jeremy Corbyn became leader of Britain’s Labour Party, and since then his disdain for Jews has been clear. 38% of British citizens describe Corbyn as an anti-Semite, as do over 85% of British Jews. In 2018, it emerged that Corbyn routinely refers to another member of his own party, Dame Louise Ellman, an MP from a Liverpool district, “The Right Honorable Member for Tel Aviv” whenever he sees her interviewed on television.
“Jewish people have been made to feel very uncomfortable,” Dame Ellman explained, “and the leadership have taken very little action to deal with this.”
Rising anti-Semitism within the Labour party has been echoed across the country. In 2018 there were 1,652 anti-Semitic recorded incidents in Britain: a 16% increase from 2017. This included online trolling, the rising use of neo-Nazi imagery, physical attacks and desecration of Jewish property. One 2018 poll found that nearly 40% of Britain’s Jews would “seriously consider leaving” the country if Jeremy Corbyn becomes Prime Minister.
On February 19, 2019, a group of MPs, including Luciana Berger, finally had enough. Standing with a group of six other Labour MPs, Mrs. Berger explained that she was leaving the Labour Party she’s worked for all her adult life. “I cannot remain in a party that I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic,” she explained to a shocked nation. “The (party’s) leadership has willfully and repeatedly failed to address hatred against Jewish people within its ranks… I am leaving behind a culture of bullying, bigotry and intimidation.”
Mrs. Berger’s colleagues, who are not Jewish, agreed -- and more kept coming. The following day, MP Joan Ryan announced that she, too, was quitting the Labour Party, citing anti-Semitism as the reason. Mrs. Ryan said that her party was “infected with the scourge of anti-Jewish racism… I cannot remain a member of the Labour party while this requires me to suggest that I believe Jeremy Corbyn – a man who has presided over the culture of anti-Jewish racism and hatred of Israel that now afflicts my former party – is fit to be prime minister. He is not.”
She made her decision while watching Luciana Berger give her speech announcing the new Independent Group. “A young woman, a Labour MP, has to leave the party because she’s Jewish, because of anti-Semitism,” Mrs. Ryan realized. In that instant she knew she had to leave the party too.
The “Gang of Eight”, as the MPs were quickly dubbed, formed an Independent Group, sitting together in Parliament and beginning to work out the platform of what might soon be a new political party. A few days later, they were joined by three right-of-center MPs from the Conservative Party who joined the dynamic new group. (A ninth Labour MP, Ian Austin, also walked out of the Labour Party, decrying its “culture of extremism, anti-Semitism and intolerance”, though he declined to join the Independent Group.)
The Independent Group taking a moral stand
As his party implodes around him, Corbyn and the rest of the Labour leadership seem determined to prove the defecting MPs right. Labour MP Ruth George erroneously accused the new Independent Group of being funded by Israel (she later apologized). Corbyn insists there is no problem of anti-Semitism in his party and has said he has no intention to change. Meanwhile, more MPs are rumored to be considering joining the Independent Group – and Britain is finally confronting the anti-Semitism in its midst.
The whole country is finally discussing the problem of anti-Semitism in Britain today. One Labour MP, Tom Watson, was fielding calls about the Independent Group on a radio program when he let his guard down and described the problems in the Labour Party – and in society in general. “I have been a member of the Labour Party since I was 15 years old,” he explained. “But...there are aspects of it that I don’t recognize any more. The harshness, the brutality, the bullying.”
That culture of hate has finally led to the greatest shake-up of British party politics in a generation. The eleven MPs of the new Independent Group are finally standing up against anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish bullying. At long last, they are forcing all of Britain to finally confront the Jew hatred in their midst.
(15) Jacob, March 1, 2019 11:24 AM
Thank you for this article. You are doing a great service by making people aware of the rise of antisemitism throughout the world.
(14) W. Hughes, March 1, 2019 9:38 AM
Great article about a person who shines out courage and hope.
Retired Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist leavin NHS where prejudice of all kinds eroded the basic principles of medical practice. Change from within had been my hope and now new hope from Luciana and her friends with the courage of their convictions.
(13) Anonymous, February 28, 2019 4:05 PM
Jewish Power
This makes me feel Jewish pride. Thanks for this informative article.
(12) Anonymous, February 28, 2019 3:00 PM
Rachel “Anyone But Trump” below... from where have you received your information?
Many people have said for decades (even democrats when he was a Democrat): Trump hasn’t got a racist bone in his body. See his hiring of women leadership positions way before it was fashionable, etc.
This is straight up lashon hara, for political reasons.
Some say, jokingly or derogatorily, that Trump only sees one color: Green!
There is no question that he has been very good for the economy, which has benefited blacks, Hispanics, women more than white men. Lowest unempl (at full empl, not 29 hrs or less, during Obama’s reign, caused by Obamacare!) Tell me one Dem in the current line up who’d be better for the economy or Israel than Trump!!
Not one!!!
They are spiraling towards full blown communism which would be very very bad for the economy and for the Jews! (Many Jews got all of that money...and donate it at huge levels to the poor of any race and religion, because of capitalism!!!)
Bottom line, there has NEVER been such a strong libelous news media cycle against anyone as the insidious, non stop full-fledged coordinated push against the president by the mainstream media.
Am I saying that Trump is a Tzaddik! Of course not! But personal issues meant nothing when it was a Democrat .(Clinton, a mushhas by any measure!)
And lying overtly about THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO OUR ECONOMY and our ability to function meant nothing when the mainstream media expressed their communal “thrill” up their legs from Obama!
A president’s main job is to
A) Protect the country from outside and domestic threats; and
B) Help the prosperity of the country.
It is incredible that Trump has been as successful to the extent he is despite a 24/7 War of words against him by the MSM.
I believe firmly that if they would be talking day/night night about the strength of the economy instead of “Russia, Russia, Russia!!!!!” and a Sorry embarrassment named Michael Cohen, his ratings would be hitting 60%!
Rachel, February 28, 2019 7:31 PM
It’s not just the economy
I spent much of my life in NYC. My impression during those years was that Trump was a boor who never saw a camera he didn’t like.
However, since his campaign, we have learned the following:
He thinks asylum seekers from Latin America are mostly criminals and his ICE has no policy in place to reunite children taken from their families.
He banned entry of individuals from majority Muslim countries.
He did not condemn the Charlottesville white supremacacists, nor did he comment for days about the would-be terrorist in the Coast Guard.
The tape about grabbing women speaks for itself.
He has trashed NATO but is more than happy to believe Putin and Erdogan.
The president’ main job is to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States, against all enemies. That’s it— and I wish the Democrats would stop with their litany of aspirations for things like a federal guarantee of free college.
But our Constitution and laws include our treaty obligations (e.g. NATO), asylum for legitimate refugees, no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, etc, Given the rise in hate crimes (of which anti-Semitism has seen the greatest increase), it is obvious to me that his administration is failing in some pretty basic ways.
And none of this has anything to do with former presidents. The most important thing in a democracy is equal justice under law. I would not care if a president doubled the GDP if that administration does not protect and defend the Constitution and laws.
If there is a responsible, qualified GOP candidate in 2020, I will be happy to consider voting for that person, but the incumbent clearly does not qualify.
Nancy, March 26, 2019 11:35 AM
To commenter Rachel
I especially like what you had to say in your last paragraph. I am a Democrat, but that does NOT mean I fall in lock step with everything every single Democrat believes. This is not the Republican Party of Nixon and Eisenhower. In fact, Nixon would have been considered moderate by today's standards.
(11) Arlene Weissman, February 27, 2019 1:09 AM
There is Hope
Jeremy Corbyn's constant stream of manipulation, deception, and outright anti-semitism left me doubting for the future of Jews in Britain. The fact that his loyal party soldiers stand by him with excuses and vile rhetoric furthered this belief. Now, with the emergence of the Independent Group and it's determined leaders I see the sun peeking out.
(10) Anonymous, February 27, 2019 12:49 AM
Corbyn should be arrested
Why no comments feom.corbyn on some not all of the Muslims that Britain has given asylum to and in return they thank Britain by doing terrorist acts? Why target only the jews who have done their share in bringing prosperity to uk. So it is only jews he hates. Others who harm his people or kill them is fine. Corbyn should be banned from politics. End of an ugly.chapter in UK history. Does he hate the.jews.because.they are smart and hard working
(9) CHARLES D. GELFAND, February 27, 2019 12:38 AM
England has always been unfriendly to Jews, except on rare occasions
England was never a nation that was decent to Jews, except for rare occasions when they relented.
English Jews should leave England and go to Israel or Canada or the USA.
England will then lose its place as a sucessful nation, and its empire will fall as did Spain when it lost its Jews.
Sid Weiner, February 28, 2019 9:11 PM
Britain & the Palestine Mandate.
Mr. Gelfand,
The British elites did their best to kill the State of Israel at it's very birth in 1948.
Everything from arming & leading the Arabs in what hoped would be a bloodbath for the Jews to embargoing arms to the Jews!
Their General,John Glubb,led the Jordanians in attacking Jerusalem & driving Jews out of the East end.In 1956 the Queen knighted Glubb for his great service to the Crown!
Crazy as it may be,what saved Israel was the connections that Ben Gurion had Behind the Iron Curtain.
The great Jew hater,Joe Stalin,hated the English even more & allowed arms to be sent to the Israelis which allowed them to win the war.
If Stalin had not hated the English,...Israel might not have survived the Arab attacks
(8) Rick Dworsky, February 26, 2019 9:45 PM
we needed to know...
Timely, well-written, and informative, while offering reality, changes made and even some hope. This is a topic of concern that begs the officials involved to be commended, guided and inspired. This type of hatred needs to be called-out for other government's parties--show the world what they are really-about. Offer us readers a link to write to those who demonstrated such courage.
(7) Moses Okello, February 26, 2019 7:30 PM
Cyrus needed
Let God raise more of Cyruses in Britain. Civilised people like them ought to value every soul.
(6) KD, February 26, 2019 6:24 PM
This sounds like America's Democrat party
Is it orchestrated collusion or just mob mentality? Hatred toward innocent people is bully tactics not condoned in elementary school and should not be reintroduced at universities in any society. G-d help humanity become enlightened through His People.
(5) Reuven Frank, February 26, 2019 4:51 PM
More than "Disturbing"
I have been discussing this article with my wife as I read it and she finally said,
"I find the fact that he [Corbyn] holds ANY elective office disturbing.
This is not some fringe group.
This is one of the
MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES OF A FIRST WORLD NATION!
I, too, am glad that the issue is finally out in the open.
Sadly, I don't believe this will change the
"built into the bones"
biased, racist attitude of too many "Old-school Brits".
OTOH, the fact that new parties are forming is, at least,
a reason for optimism.
Stand up against antisemitism everywhere.
Do what you can and
Pray for Messiah.
(4) Frances Coleman, February 26, 2019 4:21 PM
Bravo to eleven British MP's for taking a stand
It takes courage, moral fortitude and compassion to do this. I am inspired by these individuals, who are leading the way! My heart is with you!!!
Rachel, February 27, 2019 12:06 AM
I agree
I'm particularly heartened that 10 of the 11 are not Jews. This is where progressives have been historically, opposing all forms of bigotry.
I would have no problem with reasoned criticism of the Netanyahu government, but it is clear that some in Labour, like some US Democrats, are anti-Semites and anti-Zionists. And I say that as a lifelong Democrat. However, I would add that I will continue voting for my Jewish congressman, Jewish senator, and non-Jewish pro-Israel senator. We should judge each person on his/her own words and actions, not based on party affiliation in the US.
(3) Yoni, February 26, 2019 3:58 PM
The new left wing
It seems that the anti semitisim and anti Israel bias on the left is the new wave of the future. This is happening in the United States as well, as can be clearly seen in the appointments to prominent committees of two vile anti Semitic Muslim congresswomen. The writing on the wall is clear for all to see. What remains to be seen is if there will be an erosion of Jewish support for the left wing parties. Unfortunately, I’m not to hopeful that will happen. It seems to me that Jewish liberals are committed to continue to support the left wing parties blindly, no matter how much their own party publicly expresses their anti Jewish and anti Israel (pro BDS) bias. May Hashem help us all!
Anonymous, February 26, 2019 5:21 PM
Tired of your blatant hate and prejudice toward Jews on the left
I notice, too, how you conveniently ignore the neo-Nazi Right wing swastikas and desecration of Jewish property and physical harm to Jewish lives.
The Jewish liberals you constantly berate have conscience and integrity, and Yes, I doubt they will lose their mindful commitment to their party; you can keep your bigoted, racist, neo-Nazis on the right.
With regard to BDS, while I don't support it, I do support the right of every American to political, peaceful -boycotts are peaceful, no swastikas, no killing or assault, no descecration of property- activity and free speech for legitimate criticisms of Israeli policies. Many Jews I know, while supporting Israel vehemently object to their right wing, nationalist, now welcoming Kahane, the terror group, beliefs.
Yoni, February 26, 2019 6:52 PM
The truth as I see it
Dear anonymous,
I don’t hate or have prejudice to anyone, just commenting on the current anti semitisim as I see it.
I’m not at all ignoring neo natzis, siwastikas etc. I’m just unaware of any elected republican that supports those despicable things. If there out there, they certainly deserve to be condemned in the strongest terms. However, on the Democrat side there are to outspoken blatant vile anti semites that sit on prestigious committees, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Additionally, Democrat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had a phone conversation with Jeremy Corbyn and tweeted that it was an honor to have shared a lovely and wide reaching conversation. The republican equivalent on an institutional level (by elected officials) to blatant befriending of vile anti semites simply doesn’t exist.
I urge my liberal brothers and sisters to take an honest and unbiased look, regardless of years of political affiliations and see, who are your friends? Not those on the left. And the blind support for leftist politicians is self destructive and harmful to all Jews.
In regards to BDS, isn’t it striking that the one nation that is singled out for boycotting is the lone democracy in the Middle East? Forgot about Saudi Arabia, Jordon, China, and many other countries where human rights are trampled upon, Israel is the one country that needs to be boycotted. Doesn’t that seem like something more sinister than some innocently exercising their right to free speech?
Anonymous, February 27, 2019 4:19 AM
Free speech dose not exsist anymore.
Truly, if I were to speak on what I KNOW to be the TRUTH I, would be arrested for hate speech-no joke! We are living in a very dangerous time. Political correctness is censorship. Who are we to redefine marriage and other G-D ordained articles? A lot of people'think ' there is no G-D. That is up to them but, all the rest of us need a break from all this needless hate and fighting. Messiah can't come quick enough. Glad to see some courage in the U.K.
Nina Kotek, February 27, 2019 9:48 AM
Yes, these left-wing Jews and Democrats are generally good people
Including my own family. They are generally people on whose side you would like to find yourself. THAT is why it is so upsetting that they have double standards for Israel and for Israel-haters in their party. No one expects Neo-nazis and Klansmen to be decent, but it is so exasperating that these good people don't get it.
Yoni, February 27, 2019 1:53 PM
Very well said
That was very well said, I agree 100%.
Anonymous, February 27, 2019 3:59 PM
Do you support the Israelis
who are protesting the inclusion of the Kahane Jewish terrorist group, listed as so in the U.S., that PM Netanyahu who may be indicted any time now, orchestrated? Do you support the Hilltop Jewish terrorists, called so by Israeli media itself, as supporting Jewish values?
You need to wake-up, because the government of Israel's policies is contributing to the increase in antisemitism in the Diaspora, the Charlottesville incident, and Pittsburgh, your neo-Nazis brought death in these situations. Well, at least I take comfort in knowing 80% of American Jews vote on the democratic ticket. Thank G-d some of us actually get it, because the "blind faith" to Israeli policies on your end has been the problem.
Yoni, February 28, 2019 12:03 AM
Curious
Dear Mr./Ms Anonymous,
Just curious, in a hypothetical matchup with Ilhan Omar or Rashida Tlaib running on the Democrat ticket vs. President Trump, who would you support?
Anonymous, February 28, 2019 12:30 AM
Oy ....
Neither.
Okay, I see your point.
But, I still think it's time for Trump and Netanyahu to retire. They bring out the worst, Kahane terror types, seriously, or the neo-Nazis that are emboldened.
I didn't like how I felt Obama was so unsupportive of Israel. But, he did agree to the memorandum for 38 billion over 10 years. Then, Trump, ignites fascists and Jews are always the first scapegoat. Pittsburgh rattled me in a way I never felt in my lifetime, and although President Trump denounced it immediately and only the shooter is responsible, his rhetoric, gives a green light. They come out from under their rocks.
Maybe, you should run for President, :)
Rachel, February 28, 2019 4:56 AM
Anyone but Trump
Trump isn’t an anti-Semite. But he’s a misogynist and a racist with no regard for the rule of law.
Omar, a naturalized citizen, is ineligible to run for president. Tlaib, if she is a natural born US citizen, is not going to run in 2020. But while I detest her views on Israel, as an American my first concern is what is best for the US. And a strong US continuing the Western alliance is ultimately better for Israel as well.
Natan, March 3, 2019 11:10 AM
The enemy sought our destruction way before modern state of Israel
Just a simple, thought experiment: Way before hilltop youth or even the modern state of Israel existed, the enemy had been attempting to eradicate us (I mean that in the most literal sense possible) for millennia.
If there's anything history has taught us, it's that it has nothing to do with Israel or any particular government in Israel.
Still believe they want us dead because of Israeli policies?
As usual, G-d is reminding us through our enemies what the basic facts are: The enemy doesn't separate Jew and Israel - neither should we...
Regarding the situation Europe/America, think about this:
An astute observer will note that as much as they (native germans, belgians, whoever...) hate the muslims, they invariably hate us Jews more and blame us for the problem they themselves created (in this case a massive, belligerent muslim population usurping their culture, government, economy, military, etc.).
Jews of Europe (and America, at some point) are in for large pogroms at the very least (it's just a matter of time), or an all-out holocaust at the most.
I desperately hope I'm wrong.
PLEASE get out and join your brethren in Israel so that we can unite (spiritually, financially and militarily). We've been paying lip-service to this plan for millennia. G-d is waiting for us to implement our part of it (he will help when we do).
This is not Zionism, it is Judaism. We have tons of ancient sources and precedents for this approach (Ezra being the most obvious).
(2) Nathan Riesel, February 26, 2019 3:22 PM
Press doesn't cover it
Conventional news coverage of the split and the new party conveys the anti-Semitic reasons but does not elaborate on the threatening extent of it as you have.
Without understanding the true evil that exists in the liberal party, people may actually think that Berger and company are just whinners and have another "real" agenda.
(1) Anonymous, February 26, 2019 3:00 PM
Should be done in the U.S. also
So glad to see this. In the U.S. we have the Alt-right which has far more in common with the Progressives with their identity politics &
Entitlements & victimization. Also on the left anti Semitism is institutionalized in the Democratic Party. From the new Islamist members of Congress, to Obama with Louis Farrakhan, to the leftist fascists on campus with BDS & pro Palestinian terrorist enablers.
the Democratic Party is the party of extremism. To bad soo many people get their news from MSM & are living in “TheMatrix”so
they will never learn the truth!