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Labour MP stands by as protesters chant antisemitic slogans
The chants erupted after Geraint Davies, the MP for Swansea West, gave a speech at a pro-Palestine rally
June 16, 2021 18:19
The chants erupted after Geraint Davies, the MP for Swansea West, gave a speech at a pro-Palestine rally
June 16, 2021 18:19Another Labour politician has sparked widespread condemnation for appearing at a pro-Palestine rally where crowds chanted antisemitic slogans.
Geraint Davies, the MP for Swansea West, told a rally in his constituency last month: “I’m here with you, I’m representing you.”
Moments later, demonstrators in the crowd began to enthusiastically chant “khybar ya yahud” as Mr Davies stood by.
Geraint Davies is the Labour MP for Swansea West.
At a 16 May anti-Israel rally, he says "I am with you". Then he hands the mike to a man who joins blood chanting. He is swiftly followed by "Khaybar, oh Jews" shouting, the vicious racist call to murderous hatred.
Labour, 2021. pic.twitter.com/wCMGva6Xk0
The Arabic phrase refers to the 7th Century Battle of Khybar, when Muslim armies expelled Jews from an area in the north-western Arabian Peninsula.
The organiser of the Swansea demonstration, Nizar Dahan, has previously called Israel an “illegal” state and has written: “Jerusalem is and always will be the capital of Palestine.
“No matter what anyone says or tries, the battle continues.”
Responding on Twitter to video footage of the antisemitic chanting, Mr Davies said: “I called in Swansea for an end to the killings of civilians in Palestine and Israel, peace and reconciliation, a two-state solution and adherence to international law.
“I therefore do not support any chanting in Arabic that followed that called for the opposite.”
Earlier this month MP Naz Shah defended her appearance at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Bradford, where activists chanted in Arabic: "God, make us part of the mujahideen in Palestine.
“God, purify al-Aqsa from impure people.
“God, make the earthquake under their feet.
"God, lift the curse of the Jews off the Muslims in Palestine."
The West Yorkshire MP condemned the comments, saying they “are not remarks I’d ever make”.