Progressive Rabbi Hauled Over The Coals In Move That Could Stoke Anti-Semitism
Posted Under: East London,Jewishness,London,Minorities,Protest,Religion
The rabbi of Britain’s oldest synagogue, Bevis Marks in the East End of London, has been suspended over his participation in a protest against banks charging high interest rates. Full detials of the story can be found at The JC here.
The rabbi Natan Asmoucha was helping lead the start of London Citizens anti-usury campaign – a combined effort across the atlantic to legislate against exploitative lending.
’10% is Enough!’ Youtube Video
Dr. Maurice Glasman defended rabbi Nathan’s actions, arguing that, “Any anti-usury campaign without involvement from the Jewish community could quickly turn anti-semitic”. However, many in the synagogue believe that the elders have leapt upon the first excuse to settle old feuds, save money and kick out a highly thought of leader whom they believe to be displaying ‘activist tendencies’.
The appeal process continues.
Reader Comments
We don’t need religious anti-usury laws. We need consumer protection laws, that target unfair lending practices, and excessive rates of interest.
In fact, we have precisely such legislation, and the Office of Fair Trading is presently conducting a consultation with a view to making the new law – which has recently been tightened up – more effective.
Now, that’s where our efforts should go. The last thing that we need is the importation of religious perspectives into the issue. We most certainly don’t need a campaign which is led by clerics, at least some of whom have a religious perspective on “usury”: i.e. that any lending, at any rate of interest, is prohibited by God. Were such a perspective to triumph, it would be an absolute disaster.
Rabbi Nathan Asmoucha,
To be fair to your elders, you probably overstepped the mark – however on reflection, I suspect they might be quietly proud of you.
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Might I take the opportunity to wish you well, I am sure you will find freinds inside your community – perhaps where you least expect them, who will come to your aid.
Robin Rowlands
In addition to Robin Rowlands comment above I too suspect they might be quietly proud of you – I heard the comments on R4 this morning – and I wish you well and also feel what you did and hopefully continue speak out about and support, was right -