Formal complaint to Priti Patel
Tuesday August 31st 2021
Dear Priti Patel
We are an organisation comprised of both Jews and non Jews who have united to fight antisemitism.
We would like to know how it is possible for a cleric who has expressed numerous antisemitic comments, to now be running 'counter extremism' programmes as a partner with the government 'Prevent' project.....?
We refer of course to Imam Irfan Chishti. You yourself ordered that he be investigated after he referred to Israel as a 'terrorist state', and praised 'martyrs' who have 'given their life for palestine'.
He also publicly stated: “We ask you Allah that you accept every single shahid (martyr) who has given their life for Palestine.”
Referring to the “historic” loss of Palestine, he said that under Muslim rule the area had been peaceful, but now Israel was “this terrorist state forcing terror upon our brothers and sisters”.
Mr Chishti added during the speech that Muslims must be smart, adding that “our Jewish brethren” are “a lot smarter than us”.
He said Muslims knew “exactly the strategy that those Jewish, Zionist politicians are doing and we also know how to respond. It’s got to be long term, it’s got to be economic, it’s got to be with strategy”.
Please explain to us how this man can return to a role with 'Prevent', where he will be organising and running 'counter extremism' courses and providing training to the police, the NHS, and schools....?
The company’s website states its mission is to heal divisions between communities. It is painfully clear that his actions contradict this and that he is guilty of spreading hatred against Jews and the Jewish state.
With assaults and verbal abuse against Jews at a record high, it is unacceptable to have someone who has expressed such antisemitism, working with public bodies in the area of 'counter extremism'.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Tabatha Caplan
Act Against Antisemitism Now
www.actagainstantisemitismnow.org
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