Antisemitism allegations against the teenage Farage matter – look at what he went on to do | Jonathan Freedland
In a revealing exposé, Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and a prominent figure in British politics, faces serious allegations regarding his past behavior towards Jewish individuals and other minorities during his school years. Testimonies from over 20 former classmates, shared with The Guardian, paint a troubling picture of Farage engaging in antisemitic taunts and derogatory remarks. Among the accusations are claims that he told a Jewish peer that “Hitler was right” and sang disturbing chants such as “Gas ’em all,” while mimicking the sound of gas chambers. These revelations have sparked outrage and raised questions about the normalization of such rhetoric within certain factions of the political right, particularly among supporters of the MAGA movement in the United States.
Rather than addressing these serious allegations directly, Farage’s response has been notably evasive. He could have chosen to acknowledge the testimonies, express remorse, and clarify his stance against racism and antisemitism. Such a response might have diffused the situation and allowed him to move past these historical accusations, albeit in a limited way. However, his failure to engage substantively with the claims has left the door open for further scrutiny and criticism. The article underscores a broader concern about the rise of extremist views and conspiracy theories within mainstream politics, particularly among right-wing groups. As Farage continues to align himself with figures in the U.S. who promote these dangerous ideologies, observers are left to wonder about the implications for political discourse in both Britain and America. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting the past and the potential consequences when such behaviors are not adequately addressed.
Farage has cosied up to US figures who espoused conspiracy theories about Jews. That kind of talk is becoming alarmingly mainstream on the Maga right
Nigel Farage could have strangled this story at birth. Confronted with the testimony of
more than 20 former schoolmates
, who shared with the Guardian their memories of a young Farage taunting Jews and other minorities in the most appalling terms – telling a Jewish pupil that “
Hitler was right
”, singing “Gas ’em all” and making a hissing sound to simulate lethal gas – he could have said: “I have no memory of what’s been described, but such behaviour would of course have been atrocious and if I was involved in any way, I am genuinely sorry.”
Sure, it would have been more of an “
ifpology
” than an apology, its admission of guilt wholly conditional, but it would surely have closed the story down. Reassured that the Reform UK leader had declared racist and antisemitic abuse unacceptable, most observers would have allowed that these events took place half a century ago and moved on.
Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist
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