On 4th September, Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), will be meeting to discuss whether they should adopt the full version of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism.  

Previously the NEC adopted most of the IHRA definition but left out parts that made criticism of Israel akin to antisemitism, out of concern that this would shut down free speech for pro-Palestinians and supporters of the BDS movement. 

Since, the pro-Israeli lobby has been smearing and attacking Jeremy Corbyn.  Blairite MPs have also been utilising this to dislodge Corbyn.

Labour members have created a campaign, led by Jewish Voice for Labour, demanding the NEC stick to their original definition and not adopt the full IHRA definition.  

*ACT NOW* 

Go to their campaign page and send their standardised letter to the NEC members. 

THIS CAMPAIGN IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO LABOUR MEMBERS  

CAMPAIGN CLOSE:- 05/09/18

Yesterday afternoon, Labour’s NEC voted to adopt the full IHRA definition on antisemitism with an additional clause ensuring the definition doesn’t “undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians”.

Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) condemned the additional freedom of speech clause as unnecessary and “undermines the other examples”, whilst Margret Hodge MP has publicly stated that the problem is Corbyn not the IHRA.

Huda Elmi, newly elected to the NEC, expressed disappointment at the IHRA adoption. Majority of the Labour members agree with her.

By our assessment, despite the fact this is a big setback for the Palestinian movement, it will be a short-lived victory for the Zionist lobby and their Blairite allies, who are willing to do anything to dislodge Corbyn.

Firstly, the protracted length of this propaganda battle has allowed so much noise around “freedom of speech on Israel” to overshadow the whole debate. This is something that will not go away and may weaken the implementation of the IHRA.

Secondly, they spent alot of political capital for this result and it has shown the Labour grassroots the Israeli lobby and Blairites’ zero-sum game against their own movement.

Labour activists and Unions will look to organise, grab more power, be less compromising and deal with this threat to them.

Thirdly, a fully pro-Corbyn NEC has been elected to start after the next conference and de-selection of MP candidates is soon expected to be party policy. Pro-Palestinian Corbyn’s position is still growing stronger.

Overall, Blairite and Labour Zionist positions have come out weaker, making them increasingly anxious and erratic. They are losing but the fight will continue until one side of the party backs down or is kicked out.

We thank everyone who actioned this campaign.