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.”