Jewish man expelled by Labour claims discrimination over antisemitism accusation
JVL Introduction
The callous and unjust treatment to which Stephen Marks, a Jewish member of the Labour Party (and a valued member of JVL) has been subjected, has been rumbling on for a long time and we have reported on it a number of times before.
It is now coming to a head with lawyers for Stephen filing a claim against the Labour Party, asking for an admission of liability, an apology for insinuating that he is antisemitic, and immediate reinstatement as a member of the Party – as well as basic and aggravated damages for such breaches of the Equality Act, and the costs of bringing his claim. You can see that detailed claim here.
Simon Hooper writing in Middle East Eye takes up the story.
RK
This article was originally published by Middle East Eye on Mon 18 Dec 2023. Read the original here.
Jewish man expelled by Labour claims discrimination over antisemitism accusation
Stephen Marks, a Labour member for more than 40 years, says accusation of antisemitism is ‘repellent’ and ignored his Jewishness and anti-Zionist beliefs
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A man of principle and great courage.
It is an open secret that anyone, especially Jews, who criticises Israel and Zionists for colonisation and apartheid against Palestinians will automatically be accused of antisemitism. If the result of Tony Greenstein’s court action is anything to go by where he lost his case against his accusers for similar ridiculous accusations against him, Stephen will be lucky if he can get a judgement in his favour. But I’m sure all those who are genuine anti-racists wish him well.
There was an interesting video put up yesterday about Starmer`s favourite journalist , Lee Harpin . It all sounds very familiar with the way that so many have been labelled as anti Semitic , just because they do not approve of Zionism . Being called an anti Semite had a terrible effect on my mental wellbeing , especially as my father was a holocaust survivor , if depression , nightmares and mood swings is surviving . Mine was added , as if I had written comments on twitter , even though I am not on twitter . No action was taken by Starmers Labour complaints investigation . I can only conclude that lying and false accusations are fine , as long as it advances Starmers interests . I hope Steven gets justice . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxW3jaQG3QA
Good luck Stephen. I remember the beginning of this grotesque campaign against you, when factions in Momentum actually tried to get you excluded from running for a position… I seem to remember you winning resoundingly. Importantly too, the apparatchiks who wanted you out had not been in the Labour party for a fraction of the time you had spent, and had never been a councillor or really done any work on the ground. I see that the individual most committed to excluding and discrediting you, last year won substantial damages from the Telegraph for wrongful accusations of antisemitism. Grim ironies seem to abound at the present time.