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Rabbi Danny Rich to host another JVL 'liberation' Seder
The former Liberal Judaism chief executive agrees to preside over 'Daring To Dream' Zoom event
March 12, 2021 13:09
The former Liberal Judaism chief executive agrees to preside over 'Daring To Dream' Zoom event
March 12, 2021 13:09Rabbi Danny Rich is to once again host a ‘Liberation Seder’ event for the fringe Jewish Voice For Labour organisation.
The former Liberal Judaism chief executive has agreed to preside over the group’s “Daring To Dream” evening on Zoom which promises “participants from Britain, Palestine and Israel”.
Rabbi Rich has repeatedly sparked anger over his connections to JVL, from whom he hosted a similar Seder event last year, shortly after standing down as Liberal Judaism head.
He told the JC on Wednesday:” If I am asked to teach at a Seder I do not usually ask for the views of everyone present on a wide variety of matters. Equally my participation in an event does not mean I agree with any of the views of persons who might attend.
“Above all, I always welcome the ‘wicked child’ who attends the Seder -a theme with which your readers will be familiar."
JVL, who were formed to defend Mr Corbyn from allegations of antisemitism, have recently sided with the University of Bristol’s Professor Miller, despite his controversial comments about Jewish students at the institution.
A statement on the JVL website said Professor Miller was being “being vilified and attacked for his views and criticisms of Zionism.”
JVL media officer Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi was suspended from Labour last December after the JC revealed she had criticised General Secretary David Evans’ move to protect Jewish members of the party by banning the discussion of pro-Corbyn motions and the EHRC report into antisemitism in the party at meetings.
In 2019 the JC revealed Rabbi Rich had invited former Labour leader Mr Corbyn to his home for Friday night dinner.
The JC has contacted Rabbi Rich for comment on his decision to host this year’s JVL Seder event, which takes place on March 30.
Pesach begins with the first Seder night on Saturday March 27.