CFI Parliamentary Chairman in the House of Lords, Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles, and CFI Honorary President Lord Polak CBE condemn Baroness Tonge’s “callous inflammatory” response to antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh:
“We utterly condemn the shocking assertion by Baroness Tonge that the murder of Jews in Pittsburgh is the fault of the Israeli Government. This callous inflammatory posting, on social media, is in clear violation of the IHRA definition of Antisemitism adopted by the UK Government. For a Member of the House of Lords to publish such hateful thoughts brings Parliament into disrepute.
“Saturday was International Freedom of Religion Day. There is no greater freedom than to be able to attend a place of worship openly and safely. The murderous attack on American Jews exercising that freedom shames not only the USA but the whole world.
“The vile antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is a clear example of where intolerance and hatred lead if unchecked. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heinous crime. Pittsburgh shows us that we must all stand together to combat Antisemitism wherever it appears”.
