A TUBE driver who led anti-Israel chants on his train has apologised, saying he “never wanted to make people feel uncomfortable”.
But Jewish groups insist the unidentified man should be sacked.
GettyA tube driver who led anti-Israel chants on his train has apologised, saying he ‘never wanted to make people feel uncomfortable’[/caption]
In a clip shared online he tells passengers, many heading to an anti-Gaza war march on October 21: “So, as I feel a part of it, kindly join me as we proceed to Bond Street.”
He then shouts “Free, free” eight times, as passengers chant “Palestine”.
Transport for London suspended him and British Transport Police investigated.
The case was dropped and the man is back at work.
TfL has since passed a letter to Jewish groups in which the man says: “I would like to express my apology for the effect that my actions had on my customers and the wider community that day.
“It was never my intention to make anybody feel uncomfortable and I give you my unreserved apology for any offence that may have been caused.
“I’m committed to learning from this experience.”
But the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said the apology was not enough — and wanted him sacked.
It said: “His conduct was grossly unprofessional.
“Imagine being a Jewish person on that train, not only intimidated by demonstrators around you, but also in the knowledge that you might not be able to rely on the very TfL staff tasked with your safety.
“This incident was a disgrace to TfL, and coming at a time of heightened tension, it was downright dangerous.”
Tory London mayor candidate Susan Hall said the driver should be sacked for his “outrageous” actions.
But Andrew Gilbert, of the London Jewish Forum, said: “We received the apology via TfL comms, it wasn’t sent to us by the driver.
“TfL said the driver has been apologetic throughout and showed genuine remorse.
“We were very satisfied with how TfL and BTP dealt with the situation.”
Aslef ‘war crime’ jibe
A UNION chief who backed the chanting Tube driver to keep his job, previously called Israel “war criminals”.
Aslef’s London boss Finn Brennan, below, backed calls for a Gaza ceasefire. He said Palestinians were being “murdered by war criminals”.
He said: “When you shoot down people in Derry, South Africa, Israel, you can’t be surprised they pick up a gun.”
But anti-Semitism campaigners said: “Aslef must distance itself from these views.”
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