this is bullshit. the EDL have been nothing but supportive... and we in the Jewish community would be hypocritical to not say we don't have some bigots in our ranks as well. Those so called Jewish organizations don't protect Jews from people that think they have to look for Jews to kill behind trees (google the tree of the Jews if you think I am crazy). I am almost disgusted that I reposted this because my experience with the EDL and their members has been nothing but loving and they are the furthest thing from racists. No doubt like any movement they took in some freaks... but I have no better supporter then the EDL and we are honored that they took their name from the JDL who I support.... though I do admit the public relations end of the organization failed after Kahane's death. The JDL Canada have more integrity then any group I know speaking for Jews. People say that Kahane was too religious, but his arguments were not based on the Torah on why Islam could not be in Israel. Kahane's arguments were based on Islam itself. He saw the Torah backed him up.... but he knew the Muslims in Israel are there to kill Jews. Simple as that and he became the first victim of Al Qaeda because of it. No Democratic Republic can allow people to live with them whose duty is to religiously kill Jews. The EDL makes that same argument, but does not base their front on any religion. Some people think Jews are opposed to other Religions. This is not true. In fact we think the Noahide laws... are pretty much what makes you a good person and they are universal and can come from an atheist.... though we do think we are right about Monotheism but are certain that an atheist can conclude wrongly and still be a good person. oh... sorry about this damn image... but it is important to see the enemy propaganda coming from those who claim to have Judaic values.
The first joint initiative to combat Jewish support for the English Defence League within the community has been launched.
The "Not in our name – Jews against the EDL" campaign is backed by more than a dozen organisations, including the Board of Deputies, Community Security Trust, the Israeli Embassy, and Jews for Justice for Palestinians. More than 500 people have already pledged their support.
The initiative of the Union of Jewish Students, the campaign is a response to the creation of a "Jewish division" by the extreme right-wing anti-Islamic-fundamentalist group earlier this year, and the EDL's pro-Israel protest outside the Israeli Embassy last month, which was supported by American rabbi Nachum Shifren.
The "Not in our name" group's founding pledge states: "The Jewish community has always been at the forefront of anti-fascism. From Cable Street to defeating the BNP at the ballot box, we have been unafraid to speak out against those who seek to spread fear and hatred in our communities.
"Now our community faces a new threat. The EDL claims to be our allies in the fight against extremism. In reality, they are violent racists with BNP members and Nazi sympathisers among their ranks. It is time for the Jewish community to come together as one to expose the EDL as the racist thugs they are."
UJS campaigns director Carly McKenzie said: "We felt this was a prime opportunity to bring the whole community together with one loud voice."
Edie Friedman, director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, which is backing the initiative, said: "It's terribly important for different sections of the community, as well as individuals, to stand up and say categorically, 'not in our name'. It's unbelievable that such an organisation can appropriate Jewish support."
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: "At the HET we educate about the dangers of racism and discrimination and it is vital that we stand up against groups such as the EDL who preach hatred and division in our communities."
Jewish Chronicle, 11 November 2010
