A British MP has been summoned by his party after comparing the Holocaust to the actions of “the Jews” over the treatment of Palestinians.
Liberal Democrat David Ward wrote on his website after signing a memorial book to mark Holocaust Memorial Day: “I was saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians in the new state of Israel and continue to do so on a daily basis".
Ward later said he did not intend to offend 'Jewish people on a whole' but will continue to criticize Israeli actions against Palestinians. »
He made a written promise not to repeat the reference but the Board of Deputies of British Jews said the apology had "no credibility" as the MP had not removed the offending post from his website and in the light of further remarks.
Jonathan Arkush, Vice President of the Board of Deputies, said the whip should have been withdrawn from David Ward. “He should have been warned that he risked being expelled from the party. Mr Ward’s offensive statement remains on his website, which hardly inspires confidence in the sincerity of his apology.”
The party said the wording was “unacceptable” and said "further decisions" would be taken about David Ward after Jewish leaders demanded action following a meeting with Lib Dem chiefs aimed at calming tensions.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg earlier said he stood by Mr Ward's apology.
"David Ward has apologised for what he said. It was quite right that he should apologise. What he said was completely out of order and that was made completely clear to him," he said.
John Mann, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Anti-Semitism, called for Clegg to follow the example of both the Conservatives and Labour, whose party leaders, he said, had acted “decisively” over similar incidents.
“Where others have crossed the line, there has been much sterner action taken,” said Mr Mann. “He should have been told if he does anything like this again he’ll be thrown out of the party.”