Embarrassment: Sajid Javid made a fool of himself by standing in that now-stereotypically stupid wide-legged pose (lampooned above). Now he has embarrassed himself and his party by insulting British Jews.
It seems Home Secretary Sajid Javid thought he’d get some milage out of the Labour anti-Semitism row – proving either he didn’t know his language was anti-Semitic itself, or that he is really an anti-Semite.
Wishing all Jews in UK & abroad a very happy #RoshHashanah. At a time when British Jews understandably (and sadly) feeling under threat from @jeremycorbyn, more important than ever for all decent people to stand together and celebrate our Jewish community. #ShanahTova
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) September 7, 2018
If it needs explaining, here’s Michael Rosen (who is himself Jewish):
In Vichy France, the Vichy 'government' separated Jews into French Jews and foreign-born Jews. This is what racist governments do. This is what @sajidjavid has just done with his Happy New Year greetings. 'Decent' Jews versus Corbyn-supporting Jews. It is a scandal.
— Michael Rosen (@MichaelRosenYes) September 7, 2018
And Jews Sans Frontieres makes a great point –
Look at the responses to the most cynical and racist tweet from a Home Minister. He's trying to make a "hostile environment" for the wrong kind of Jews https://t.co/06u0Oz7Mkl
— Jews Sans Frontieres (@jewssf) September 7, 2018
– Sajid Javid came into the Home Office with a promise to end the conditions that led to the Windrush scandal, and instead he is making them worse.
But let’s do what we’re told; let’s look at the responses:
Couldn't you just pass on the good wishes instead of being politicial?
When I'm celebrating Eid I don't add in that the Tories think Islamophobia is acceptable.
Absolutely disgusting tweet from a supposed Rt Hon MP. https://t.co/GT1NVmKBmq
— Alex Tiffin (@RespectIsVital) September 7, 2018
The Home Secretary’s Tweet for Jewish New Year – Suggesting that those who support Corbyn are not 'decent'. He's used a Jewish festival in order to make a political point, which includes saying that Jews who support Corbyn are bad Jews
— Jewish Socialist (@JewishSocialist) September 7, 2018
Extraordinary tweet from @sajidjavid in which he manages to wish only those Jews he agrees with a very happy RoshHashana. So, hard luck, Jews who support Corbyn, (bad Jews) the Home Secretary doesn't wish you a happy new year. https://t.co/iozYCYTlzK
— Michael Rosen (@MichaelRosenYes) September 7, 2018
The “wrong kind of Jews”? That is an anti-Semitic stereotype. There is no way of painting it any differently. The Home Secretary committed an act of anti-Semitism, publicly, on Twitter.
The "bad Jews" trope is one of the most brazen anti-Semetic tropes of all. Sajid Javid uses it over and again with impunity.
Anyone who honestly cares about anti-Semitism would be demanding his resignation over it, but the mainstream media are silent. https://t.co/yMHL78vjWK
— Another Angry Voice (@Angry_Voice) September 8, 2018
This disgraceful comment aims to drive a further wedge between Conservative Jewish communities and left leaning Jewish communities, who have already been marginalised by the same communities and some deplorable MPs. #GoodJewBadJewTactic https://t.co/JXcpW4vrMk
— Revolution Breeze (@suejonessays) September 7, 2018
Many responses focused on Mr Javid’s cynical use of British Jews for political purposes:
Hey Sajid. Just to let you know that it’s not a traditional Rosh Hashanah gift to be used as a political football and by the way how you getting on with the Islamophobia and racism in your own party? https://t.co/SkBvomKf7c
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) September 7, 2018
How dare you. We aren’t a political football for the Tory party to take kicks at. You disgust me @sajidjavid https://t.co/7ZCGHZ2zDg
— Rhea Wolfson (@rheawolfson) September 7, 2018
What a vile tweet. Stop politicising religious events. Never once has a Labour politician mentioned Tory islamophobia on an Islamic celebration; it’s disrespectful and shows that you only care about political gain. Disgusting. https://t.co/6sOlZguC1J
— Aleesha Khaliq (@a_leesha1) September 7, 2018
And of course, as a Conservative government minister, Mr Javid is the last person in the country who should be accusing others of failing to reach a standard of acceptability:
I don't feel under threat from @jeremycorbyn but after seeing your indecent behaviour; the horrific way you're treating immigrants, refugees, blocking a 6-year-old UK boy from flying home, I fear for the safety of all migrants in the UK under a Tory government. Shame on you. https://t.co/aEvbPmmEQK
— Jane Samuels (@Jane_Samuels) September 7, 2018
Rosh Hashana is a time of reflection & repentance. Perhaps you should reflect on @BorisJohnson, your government’s treatment of the Windrush generation, & hostile environments. Let the party without sin cast the first stone @theresa_may https://t.co/vBAyJ43tlO
— Jon Lansman (@jonlansman) September 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/TonyGreenstein/status/1038209952316305408
Mr Javid @sajidjavid
This is a startlingly crass tweet.
I am a Jew and – like many others – I not only do not think @jeremycorbyn poses a threat, I support him.BTW why don’t you care about antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism – like Windrush and much more – in the Tory party? https://t.co/Gq4T7SY6Ds
— Tom London (@TomLondon6) September 7, 2018
After the various treacheries by Labour MPs against their leader over anti-Semitism, we all know (or should) where to send complaints to that party.
According to the Conservative Party code of conduct, “if any individuals wish to make a formal complaint against elected representatives or officers of the party, they should email [email protected]”.
So now you know. Get your complaint in now.
Visit our JustGiving page to help Vox Political’s Mike Sivier fight anti-Semitism libels in court
Vox Political needs your help!
If you want to support this site
(but don’t want to give your money to advertisers)
you can make a one-off donation here:
Here are four ways to be sure you’re among the first to know what’s going on.
1) Register with us by clicking on ‘Subscribe’ (in the left margin). You can then receive notifications of every new article that is posted here.
2) Follow VP on Twitter @VoxPolitical
3) Like the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VoxPolitical/
Join the Vox Political Facebook page.
4) You could even make Vox Political your homepage at http://voxpoliticalonline.com
And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!
If you have appreciated this article, don’t forget to share it using the buttons at the bottom of this page. Politics is about everybody – so let’s try to get everybody involved!
Buy Vox Political books so we can continue
fighting for the facts.
The Livingstone Presumption is now available
in either print or eBook format here:
Health Warning: Government! is now available
in either print or eBook format here:
The first collection, Strong Words and Hard Times,
is still available in either print or eBook format here:
