British Jewish Communal Leader Suspended For Racist Anti-Arab Rhetoric
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) — The Board of Deputies of British Jews suspended for six years a senior member deputy who shared on Twitter a text describing Arabs as “the vilest of animals.”
Roslyn Pine, the deputy for Finchley United Synagogue, was told she was suspended for the next two triennials after the Board’s constitution committee found that she had brought the organization into disrepute, the Jewish News of London reported Thursday.
Pine, whose Twitter account has recently been made private, called Arabs “so evil” and later said: “I have an issue with Muslims and Arabs who want to kill us, who want to destroy Israel. And that is an Islamic fundamental if you know anything about what the Koran is.”
The Board’s committee condemned her statements. “What Mrs Pine is saying is that the killing of Jews and the destruction of Israel is fundamental to the Islamic religion, and so implying condemnation of all Muslims.”
Pine has been censured before. Three years ago she said it was a pity that the pro-Palestinian female Swedish foreign minister was “too old to be raped.” She has also called fellow deputies “kapos”.
At the hearing on Wednesday, Pine defended herself, saying: “It’s true I have an issue with Muslims and Arabs who want to kill us and destroy Israel… I would expect that every deputy would hold that view.”
Last month new Board president Marie van der Zyl said: “I will not tolerate any anti-Muslim hatred whatsoever.”
Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
