Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

• LIKE Ruth Steigman, I too am horrified at the baseless, relentless attacks against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, (Corbyn’s opponents could be boosting anti-Semitism, August 3).

However much conciliation he offers opponents it is never enough; and now it seems they have become embroiled in a kind of zoned-out hysteria that cannot and will not be appeased, despite the safeguards and certainties enshrined in the party’s constitution.

Meanwhile, the guarantee that no criticism of Israel’s policies against the Palestinian people – however legitimate – would be acceptable unless devoid of anti-semitic rhetoric does not suit his detractors at all.

So, if there are any genuine anxieties regarding the claims of anti-semitism within the party, while delivered in such florid, bullying platitudes, they become hard to take seriously, even for me, the granddaughter of Polish Jews. But of course these attacks are in essence politically motivated – and Ms Steigman draws full and knowledgeable attention to this in her letter.

With the rise of the far-right across Europe, genuine fears about racism and anti-semitism are understandable. But projecting them onto Jeremy Corbyn – a peaceful, principled campaigner all his political life against all forms of hatred and discrimination – is not only cruel and cynical but is also deeply disturbing in its completely delusory nature.

That the mainstream media rallies round this is too shameful and really should be unacceptable. I say, take heart Mr Corbyn. A great many people – Jewish and otherwise – understand what is happening and stand in solidarity beside you.

VICKY SCRIVENER
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