Petition details
Free Speech on Palestine
In September 2018 the council passed, unopposed, a Conservative motion to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and its accompanying examples. Assurances were given that adoption of the working definition and examples would not restrict freedom to campaign on Palestine. These assurances have proved empty in the light of the council decision to refuse access to public council space for the Big Ride for Palestine, a charity event to raise funds for Palestinian children. Council officers’ emails obtained under a Freedom of Information request make clear that the basis of this decision, was their interpretation of the IHRA definition. This was concealed from the organisers of the Big Ride. On the basis of legal advice, we believe this to be a major breach of European and UK human rights legislation.
As the far-right grows in Europe and in Britain, it is vital we
stand against the poison of antisemitism and all forms of racism,
wherever they emerge. Antisemitism has its roots in reactionary,
racist ideology and ultimately does not distinguish between Jews on
the basis of their political or religious belief, only that they
are Jews. Antisemitism must be combatted without equivocation. It
is however vital that we do not conflate campaigns for Palestinian
rights, criticism of the state of Israel or critiques of Zionism as
a political ideology, with antisemitism. These are legitimate
debates that have existed from the origins of modern Zionism,
including among Jews.
Since the formation of the Tower Hamlets Jenin Friendship
Association in 2002, Tower Hamlets Council, many councillors and
our Mayor, have welcomed many visitors from Jenin in Palestine.
This is a proud tradition of solidarity which must be upheld. Given
the basis of the shocking decision to bar the Big Ride from council
owned space, we believe it is now a matter of urgency that Tower
Hamlets Council add this clarification to their adoption the
non-legally binding IHRA definition of antisemitism and its
“examples”.
It is time that Tower Hamlets Council recognised the State of
Palestine, and worked to improve understanding of the plight of
Palestinians under the brutal Israeli occupation.
This Petition ran from 06/08/2019 to 06/01/2020 and has now finished.
102 people signed this Petition.
Council response
Thank you for your petition regarding the Council’s adoption of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.
I entirely understand your passion for this topic and I am sure
many members, myself included, will hold personal sympathies and
support for the Palestinian cause.
Similarly to the one we debated last year, this petition asks the
council to adopt caveats to an internationally recognised
definition which has been adopted by countries including France,
Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom. I have had correspondence
in recent days from both sides of the argument and it is clear this
issue is one on which there are significant differing views.
A definition of anti-Semitism is not an issue of restricting free speech, it is an issue of protecting those of a Jewish identity from abuse. Only recently we have seen anti-Semitic graffiti in the borough heightening the anxieties of Jewish residents and I worry deeply about what message those residents would take from a decision to start caveating an internationally recognised definition of anti-Semitism to reference the actions of Israel.
It is entirely acceptable to criticise the actions of any state
including Israel, indeed many of us here regularly criticise the
actions of our own Government. Equally it is right to be able to
show solidarity with the people of Palestine but the definition
does not seek to stop people doing that. While I stand with the
people of Palestine in solidarity, I also have to stand by our
decision to adopt the IHRA definition in full. In my view you
cannot qualify or caveat a definition of racism.
With regards to the Big Ride, the Chief Executive has investigated
and was clear. While the IHRA was considered, it played no role in
the final decision not to give permission for this event.
Personally I am disappointed that the Ride was unable to end in
Tower Hamlets but it really isn’t for politicians to take a
role in operational decisions like this. I have however instructed
that a full review of our events in parks policy is carried out to
ensure it strikes the right balance and fully takes into account
the concerns raised by the Big Ride, this will be complete
shortly.
In terms of recognising Palestine, the council doesn’t have the power to do this formally. I have no doubt many, if not all, members of the council, myself included, desire that Palestinians secure self-determination in a territory of their own. Indeed Labour councillors have passed such a motion and had submitted a motion to recognise Palestine for debate at a council meeting but it was ruled out of order by the Monitoring Officer as formal recognition is a matter reserved to the Foreign Office, and not one this Council has power over.
I want to thank you again for your petition and for the passion with which you presented it.
Mayor John Biggs
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets