Condemnation for Conservative candidate who described British Jews returning from Israel as ‘brainwashed extremists’

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl  has condemned statements made by the Conservative candidate for Leeds North East, Amjad Bashir.

Marie said: “We are extremely concerned at the language used by Amjad Bashir, the Conservative candidate for Leeds North East, who described British Jews travelling to Israel and returning as ‘brainwashed extremists’, blaming ‘rabbis and politicians.’ We would urge the Conservative party to consider the suitability of allowing someone who has publicly aired such repellent views to stand as their candidate anywhere, let alone in a constituency with a vibrant Jewish community.”

Keep Informed

Sign up for our weekly briefing, delivered to your inbox every Thursday, giving you up to date news on events and activists of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, as well as the activities of member organisations and partners. 
Subscribe to Community Briefing

Donate

The Board of Deputies relies on the generous support of the Jewish community through individual contributions and donations. Help us be the voice of the British Jewish community by donating today. All funds received go to our core charitable mission.
Donate
CONTACT US

The Board of Deputies of British Jews
tel: +44 (0)20 7543 5400
email: info@bod.org.uk

Registered Office
2nd Floor
55 Ludgate Hill
London
UNITED KINGDOM
EC4M 7JW

Press Office
tel: +44 (0)20 7543 5437
mobile: +44 (0)7957 962 080
email: simon.round@bod.org.uk

Join Us

Is your synagogue or organisation thinking of joining the Board of Deputies?

Contact: representation@bod.org.uk for further information about what is involved, the election timetable and procedures.

Charitable activities with which the Board are identified are funded by The Board of Deputies Charitable Foundation (Registered Charity No. 1058107), a company limited by guarantee and registered in England (No. 3239086). © Board of Deputies of British Jews, 2023.