Jewish writer barred from London group over Zionist beliefs, UKLFI warns of Equality Act breach

UK Lawyers for Israel intervened after Jewish comedian and writer Harry Deansway was expelled from a North London writers group due to his Zionist beliefs. Group organizer Ruby Sullivan told Deansway his beliefs were incompatible with the group's pro-Palestine stance. UKLFI warned the exclusion may violate the Equality Act 2010.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) intervened after Jewish comedian and writer Harry Deansway was barred from a North London writers group on October 6 due to his Zionist beliefs. Deansway, whose real name is Joshua Rinkoff, had participated in the Offbeat Writers Group for six months without issues before group organizer Ruby Sullivan messaged him in response to an online comment about antisemitism. Sullivan stated she was "very strongly pro-Palestine" and that if their opinions did not align it would affect their working together. Deansway responded that he was Jewish and a Zionist and was open to discussion. Sullivan replied that she could not align with his beliefs as they "support the massacre of an entire population" and that there was no place for him in the group. Sullivan added she was preparing an ideological declaration for prospective members. UKLFI sent a formal warning letter arguing the exclusion potentially violated the Equality Act 2010, noting Deansway received protection based on his Jewish ethnic background and philosophical beliefs. The fallout also impacted a scheduled literary showcase Deansway organized for October 13 at Bar Gemist, whose directors canceled the booking and rejected UKLFI's accusations of unlawful discrimination. A UKLFI spokesperson called the situation "McCarthyism dressed up as progressive politics."