In a disturbing development within UK political discourse, several Jewish members of the Labour Party have reported being subjected to vile abuse, including being called “kapos,” for their continued support of Keir Starmer’s leadership. The term, which refers to Jewish prisoners who were forced to collaborate with Nazis in concentration camps during the Holocaust, is one of the most degrading insults directed at Jews. It reflects an escalation of internal hostility and antisemitism that many thought had been rooted out following Starmer’s reforms within the party.
These abusive attacks have raised concerns about the persistence of antisemitism in Labour, despite significant efforts to address the issue since the tenure of former leader Jeremy Corbyn, under whom the party faced numerous accusations of tolerating antisemitic rhetoric and behaviors. While Starmer has publicly committed to making Labour a “safe space” for Jewish members, this latest wave of abuse shows that there is still work to be done.
Starmer’s Reforms and Labour’s Antisemitism Crisis
Keir Starmer took over the Labour leadership in 2020, following Corbyn’s resignation after a disastrous election loss in 2019. One of Starmer’s key promises was to tackle antisemitism within the party, an issue that had severely tarnished Labour’s reputation under Corbyn’s leadership. Starmer apologized to the Jewish community and expelled prominent members associated with antisemitic remarks, including Corbyn himself after the former leader downplayed a damning report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Since then, Starmer’s team has implemented sweeping reforms, including introducing new codes of conduct, expelling or suspending members involved in antisemitic conduct, and building stronger ties with Jewish organizations. These actions were largely welcomed by Jewish members of the Labour Party, many of whom had felt increasingly alienated during Corbyn’s tenure.
However, while Starmer’s reforms have been acknowledged for improving the party’s handling of antisemitism, they have also sparked divisions within Labour’s ranks, particularly among Corbyn loyalists and far-left factions, some of whom accuse the current leadership of purging members for political reasons. This factionalism has now translated into online abuse, where Jewish members who support Starmer are being targeted.
The “Kapo” Insult: A Harrowing Attack
The use of the term “kapo” has particularly shocked and horrified the Jewish Labour community. In Holocaust history, kapos were Jewish prisoners who were coerced by Nazis into policing fellow inmates within the concentration camps, often under the threat of death. It is a term loaded with historical trauma and shame, making it an exceptionally painful slur for Jewish people.
Victims of these attacks have shared their experiences on social media and within Labour forums. One Jewish Labour member, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were accused of being a “kapo” in an online group for merely expressing support for Starmer’s approach to rooting out antisemitism. “It’s beyond horrifying to be called something like that by fellow party members,” they said. “It’s a deliberate weaponization of the Holocaust to silence and intimidate Jewish voices.”
Other Jewish Labour members have described similar experiences. Some report receiving anonymous messages with the slur, while others say it was hurled at them during party meetings or online debates. The aim, many feel, is to label Jewish members who remain loyal to Starmer as traitors, complicit in the suppression of left-wing ideals and critical of Corbyn’s legacy.
Labour’s Response and Growing Concerns
The Labour Party has condemned the use of such language and reiterated its commitment to eradicating antisemitism within its ranks. A spokesperson for the party called the abuse “abhorrent” and said that anyone found using such language would face swift disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from the party.
The Jewish Labour Movement (JLM), an organization representing Jewish members within Labour, also denounced the attacks. The group has been one of Starmer’s most vocal supporters in his efforts to cleanse the party of antisemitism. In a statement, the JLM said, “It is deeply disturbing to see Jewish members subjected to antisemitic insults like ‘kapo.’ These kinds of attacks are not only a reminder of the darkest moments of Jewish history, but also serve to silence and intimidate those trying to make Labour a more inclusive space.”
Despite these efforts, some within the Jewish community are losing faith in Labour’s ability to fully eliminate antisemitism from its culture. Margaret Hodge, a Jewish Labour MP who has been outspoken about the issue, expressed her concern: “While we have made progress under Keir Starmer, it’s clear that there is still a toxic undercurrent within parts of the party. These attacks show that for some, antisemitism is not just a political tool but a deeply ingrained belief.”
A Broader Issue of Factionalism
Beyond the immediate concern of antisemitic abuse, the targeting of Jewish members with such slurs also highlights a broader issue of factionalism within Labour. Starmer’s leadership has seen the party move to the center-left, a sharp departure from the radical policies championed by Corbyn. This ideological shift has caused deep rifts, particularly with Labour’s far-left members, many of whom feel betrayed by Starmer’s leadership.
These internal divisions have created an environment where abuse has become more frequent, particularly in online spaces. Jewish members who support Starmer find themselves in the crossfire of this broader political battle, with antisemitic language often being weaponized in the struggle between factions.
The Road Ahead for Labour
While Starmer’s leadership has made strides in addressing antisemitism within Labour, this latest development shows that the battle is far from over. The use of deeply offensive language like “kapo” indicates that some segments of the party still harbor resentment towards Jewish members, particularly those who support Starmer’s centrist approach.
Labour has pledged to continue its efforts to make the party a safe space for all members, regardless of background or beliefs. However, as long as factionalism persists, it seems that Jewish members will continue to face challenges as they navigate their roles within a party still grappling with its past.
For now, Jewish Labour members, along with their allies, are calling for stricter enforcement of the party’s rules and more decisive action against those who perpetuate hate. As Labour looks ahead to future elections, how it handles these internal issues could have a significant impact on its broader public perception and electoral success.