Sadiq Khan has apologised for suggesting the Chief Rabbi’s criticism of his call for a Gaza ceasefire was due to his Muslim-sounding name. The Mail has the story.
The London Mayor revealed he had said sorry after venting his frustration during an interview about the backlash he faced.
Speaking to journalist Mehdi Hasan earlier this week, Mr. Khan had argued that there had been no equivalent response when Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for an immediate ceasefire.
Mr. Khan said: “What motivated them to come out in the way they did against the Mayor of London, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester – I’ll give you a clue, he’s not called Ahmed Bourani, he’s called Andy Burnham, whereas I’m called Sadiq Khan.”
After the issue was raised in the Jewish Chronicle today, Mr. Khan posted on social media: “The Chief Rabbi, along with other Jewish leaders, has been a friend to me, and we have worked hard together to unite our city and celebrate our diversity.
“I have been in contact with the Chief Rabbi to apologise for my comments.”
In a statement to the JC, the Mayor added: “At times it is clear to me, and others, that as a Mayor of London of Islamic faith, I am held to a different standard and that can be frustrating – particularly during a divisive election campaign.
“But, it wasn’t fair of me to have levelled that frustration at the Chief Rabbi. I am sorry for any hurt this has caused and will continue working with Jewish leaders to build a safer London for everyone.”
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