The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, apologized on Wednesday for causing "concern and anxiety" by hosting an International Holocaust Remembrance Day meeting in 2010 at which speakers reportedly compared Israeli policies to those of the Nazis.
The Times newspaper reported on Wednesday that anti-Zionist Jewish Auschwitz survivor Hajo Meyer, who died in 2014, spoke at the "Never Again for Anyone" meeting at the House of Commons as part of his "Never Again for Anyone – Auschwitz to Gaza" speaking tour.
In his 2003 book, "The End of Judaism: An Ethical Tradition Betrayed," Meyer claimed that Israel was using the Holocaust to justify its "crimes" against the Arabs. In his writings and speaking engagements, Meyer claimed Zionism preceded and collaborated with European fascism.
Also at the event, a Palestinian BDS activist claimed the Nazis had won because they had succeeded in turning its victims into Nazis themselves.
"Views were expressed at the meeting which I do not accept or condone," Corbyn said in a statement.
"In the past, in pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people and peace in Israel/Palestine, I have on occasion appeared on platforms with people whose views I completely reject. I apologize for the concerns and anxiety that this has caused," Corbyn said.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism, a charity that works to combat and educate people about anti-Semitism, said Corbyn's apology was disingenuous.
Corbyn is wrestling with accusations that his party has been tolerant of anti-Semitism displayed by some of its members. Earlier this week, a recording surfaced of Labour Party member and Corbyn-ally Peter Willsman alleging that Jewish "Trump fanatics" were behind accusations of anti-Semitism in the party.
The party is also under fire for opting not to adopt the full, internationally accepted definition of anti-Semitism.
Last month, Jewish newspapers warned that if Labour was to win the elections, the party would represent an "existential threat to Jewish life in this country."
