Board of Deputies of British Jews Senior Vice President Sheila Gewolb has voiced her concerns to First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford at a meeting in Cardiff, over the readmission to the Labour Party of Welsh Labour AM Jenny Rathbone.
“Our meeting with the First Minister of Wales was robust but constructive. We voiced concerns that Jenny Rathbone – who was suspended following allegations of antisemitism – was re-admitted to the Party too quickly, and that the process was not as fair, transparent or as strong as it needs to be, despite her apology and efforts to engage with the Jewish community.
“The First Minister acknowledged that Labour had not been quick or tough enough in dealing with antisemitism in its ranks, in the UK nor in Wales, and that much more needs to be done. He welcomed moves to open the party up to external investigation.
“Issues including education, religious freedom, and heritage were also discussed as well as combatting the pernicious and polarising discourse on Israel. We will continue to hold the Welsh Government to account to ensure that Wales is a safe, open and welcoming place for the Jewish community”.
Chairman of the South Wales Jewish Representative Council Laurence Kahn and Board of Deputies Parliamentary Officer Joel Salmon also attended the meeting.