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| Attendees at WitchHunt |
On 16 April 2019 from 18:00 to 22:00, trade unionists, socialists, Labour members and supporters, human rights activists and anti-racists gathered in central Reading to watch a showing of WitchHunt, a film that showcases the persecution and ultimate expulsion from the Labour Party of Jackie Walker, a longtime activist in human rights struggles.
The film-makers introduce the movie thus:
"In 2015, while the far right was gaining ground around the world, socialist MP Jeremy Corbyn was elected as leader of the UK Labour Party in a landslide victory. Accusations of antisemitism within the party immediately began to circulate. Well-known anti-racists and left-wing Jews, such as Jackie Walker, were amongst the chief targets.
"WitchHunt sets out to investigate the stories and the people behind the headlines, examining the nature of the accusations. Is this a witch hunt, as some claim? If so, who is behind it, and what is the political purpose of such a campaign? Has the media failed in its duty to fairness and accuracy in reporting on such serious allegations? Through a series of interviews, analysis and witness testimony, WitchHunt explores the connections between the attacks on Labour, the ongoing tragedy of Palestine and the wider struggle against race-based oppression. It argues that if it is to mean anything at all, the fight against racism must be a shared one that includes all peoples" (https://witchhuntfilm.org/).
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| Jackie Walker, 2nd right, the public face of the WitchHunt in the film |
Following the viewing, the film-makers, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi (executive producer) and Jon Pullman (director), answered questions from the 80-strong audience. When asked how the left can push back against the witch hunt within the Labour Party, Jon urged those present to keep fighting fascism and racism in society - but he also encouraged people - Labour members and others - to watch the film and join the fight for truth and justice for the likes of Jackie Walker and Chris Williamson MP - a friend of the Reading labour movement who is currently suspended from the Labour Party.
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| Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi (executive producer) and Jon Pullman (director) answer questions following the screening |
The film is not for sale - it can be viewed for free here: https://witchhuntfilm.org/. Contact Jewish Voice for Labour if you would like to arrange speakers to introduce the film and answer questions on it.
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| https://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/blog/antisemitic-misconduct/ |
