Former Lib Dem MP David Ward in clash over antisemitism

The former MP and current Liberal Democrat councillor, David Ward, was embroiled in a fresh row over antisemitism last night.

Cllr Ward and Conservative group leader Cllr Simon Cooke exchanged heated comments in the Bradford City Hall council chamber, during a debate which concentrated on the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

Cllr Cooke had proposed a motion calling on the council to consider its “awareness and response to antisemitism and islamophobia”, according to the Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Cllr Cooke, whose wife is Jewish, called out Cllr Ward by name when talking about explaining antisemitism. He strongly criticised the use of the word ‘Zio’ and said that people should be alarmed at any discussion of the Jews being ejected from Israel.

Cllr Cooke’s wife is Jewish, and he went on to say that his son had recently asked him regarding the Holocaust, “they would have killed me and Mum, wouldn’t they?”

Cllr Ward replied saying ‘one thing is absolutely damn certain, he would not have been killed by a Palestinian.
Palestinians have children, many of whom have been slaughtered by the State of Israel”

He went on to say that criticising Israel was not anti-Semitic and that it was “completely wrong to use the Holocaust” to deflect criticism of Israel’s actions.”

Mr Ward’s reply received an angry response on social media, with Sussex Friends of Israel suggesting that Mr Ward might want to repeat his “a Palestinian would not kill a child” comments to the parents of the 13 year old Hallel Yaffa Ariel, who was murdered in her bed by a Palestinian two weeks ago.