The art world has become host to “vile antisemitic sentiments...that are not isolated incidents but part of a broader culture that seeks to marginalise and dehumanise Jews.” These are the words of Candida Gertler OBE, the founder of the arts charity Outset Contemporary Art Fund, who has announced her resignation “from all voluntary positions within UK arts institutions.” When a patron of the art scene like Ms Gertler feels as though she has no other choice but to remove herself from the milieu that she loves most, that she has dedicated her life to, because of the rising tide of antisemitism, then this must be a wake-up call for all of those not yet aware of what is happening this country. Part of the institutional capitulation that Ms Gertler refers to was exhibited by Goldsmiths, University of London. She assisted in the funding of their Centre for Contemporary Art, but following a campaign of intimidation from anti-Israel activists, the names of Ms Gertler and her husband were removed from one of its galleries and donor board. Still don’t think antisemitism is a serious issue in Britain? Think again. No part of our public life has been left untouched by the unprecedented surge in antisemitism. We must not allow this to become normalised. We have a responsibility to stand up to extremism. We owe it to our country to fight for its future as the tolerant and decent Britain that we love. That’s why at 13:00 on Sunday 8th December, we will be marching. Sign up at https://t.co/adonJqIiRH.
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