February 28, 2013

(JTA) — David Ward, a British lawmaker who made negative generalizations about “the Jews” has been ordered to take language classes by his party bosses.

The sanction was meted out at a meeting this week between Ward and his superiors: the leader of the Liberal Democrat Party Nick Clegg, deputy leader Simon Hughes, and chief whip Alistair Carmichael, according to Bradford Telegraph and Argus, a local newspaper.  

Ward, who represents the constituency of Bradford East in the British parliament, last month wrote on his website that he was “saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could, within a few years of liberation, be inflicting atrocities on the Palestinians in the new State of Israel — and continue to do so.”

A letter from chief whip Carmichael said the party leaders “hope that this would allow you to achieve a better understanding of the legitimate concern that your comments have caused within the wider Jewish community.”

Widely criticized for his comment, Ward last month told a British newspaper he would consider using “the Jewish community” instead of “the Jews.”

In the letter, Carmichael added: “Your use of ‘the Jews’ in the article posted on your website on Jan. 24 and your reference to ‘the Jewish community’ as a possible alternative … is unacceptable and must not be repeated.” He added: “I am not clear how much time this work will require, although it will involve other people making time available to work with you and their availability is at present unknown.”

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