Labour has told a former candidate that she is no longer welcome to run in the election for the Party after she liked a series of anti-semitic posts on social media.
Labour Candidate Told Not to Stand
A former Labour candidate has been told she is not welcome to run in the general election after liking controversial social media posts.
A “Changed” Labour Party
In a bid to show that the Labour Party has “changed”, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is clamping down on anti-semitism within the Party.
Liking Contentious Posts
Former Labour candidate, Faiza Shaheem, was accused of ‘liking’ a series of anti-semitic posts on social media.
Shaheem’s Foggy Memory
Shaheem has since told Victoria Derbyshire of the BBC that she does not remember liking the posts, although that won’t affect Labour’s decision.
Criticising Israel
The posts in question claimed that the act of criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza often leads to people using the anti-semitism card to defend the country.
“Hysterical” People In Question
The post said, “Every time you say something even mildly critical of Israel, you’re immediately assailed by scores of hysterical people.”
Sharing Social Circles
The post continued to say that those “hysterical” people are usually people within similar social circles, before dropping the most controversial line.
Suggesting a Wider Plot
The social media post suggested that those who accuse others of being anti-semitic had been “mobilised by professional organisations.”
Comparisons to Second World War
This line is particularly controversial as it fits in with previous anti-semitic rhetoric used by Germany in the Second World War to describe the Jewish community.
Half-Admitting Wrongdoing
Shaheen has admitted that the posts are wrong although claims she has no recollection of liking them.
“It Plays Into a Trope”
“I know what’s wrong with it, of course, the line that’s there about ‘they’re in professional organisations’, it plays into a trope” Shaheem said.
Apologising for Liking Controversial Posts
Shaheem later apologised for her role in the controversy, “I absolutely don’t agree with that and I’m sorry about that,” she said.
Insisting Against Anti-Semitic Tendencies
Shaheen insisted that she apologised and is not anti-semitic, claiming she hosted an “interfaith vigil” and invited a local Rabbi following the October 7 attacks.
A History of Anti-Semitism in Labour
Shaheen is not the only former Labour candidate to be accused of anti-semitic behaviour. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott are both under investigation.
Stamping Out Anti-Jewish Behaviour
Current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer promised to stamp out this mindset from his Party, taking a strong stance against anyone who shows signs of the discriminatory act.
Denying Corbyn From Representing Labour
Recently, Sir Starmer denied his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, from being allowed to run for Labour in his constituency of North Islington.
Abbott’s Future Awaits
Corbyn will now have to run as an independent, while Diane Abbott is still waiting on a decision on her eligibility to run in the general election.
Comparing Jewish Community to “Redheads”
Abbott has been accepted back into the Party after her comments that likened the plight of the Jewish Community to that of “redheads” in the UK.
Will Labour Forgive?
Abbott has since realised the severity of her comments and apologised, although this “changed” Labour Party does not easily forgive.
Labour’s Strict Stance
Labour’s strict stance against Shaheem, Corbyn and Abbott shows a real intention to win back the public and prove that anti-semitism is not still accepted within the Party.
The post Amid Anti-Semitic Claims, Starmer Drops Labour Candidate first appeared on Now Buzz.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rupert Rivett.