Last week we were made aware that a “Get Israeli Lies Out of Schools” event was being held at the Cross Street Chapel in Central Manchester.

We immediately contacted the Chapel to explain why the event clearly contravened the IHRA definition on Antisemitism and highlight the deeply problematic comments made by Lowkey.  We received the following response soon after:

“Dear Marc

Thank you for bringing this to my attention.  I was shocked and disheartened to see the chapel associated with such a talk, as we highly value interfaith engagement.  Having attended Holocaust Training at Yad Vashem thanks to the CCJ, I recognise the prevalence of anti-Semitism in the world today.

I have spoken with our Lettings Administrator, who was equally shocked to see the talk advertised in that way.  When making the booking this information was not presented, and had it been, they would certainly have been turned down.

We have informed the group that their talk is not aligned with Cross Street Chapel’s ethos or values, and so will not be able to go ahead at our venue.

Going forward, we will seek to ensure all events align with our values of religious respect, constructive dialogue and compassion.

I am sorry for any upset this has caused JRC or its members.

With care,

Cody

Rev’d Cody Coyne

Minister, Cross Street Chapel

29 Cross Street, M2 1NL

The fact that this took place on Holocaust Memorial Day is extremely troubling.  We are grateful to those who have raised this issue.  The JRC will continue to vocally call out antisemitism wherever and whenever it manifests itself.