In the wake of controversial remarks from his daughter-law Candace Owens, Lord Michael Farmer has taken the unprecedented step of issuing a public statement clarifying his views on antisemitism and Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
"In view of public comments from a high-profile member of my family, I want to put my own views on antisemitism and Israel's current military campaign in Gaza on public record," Lord Farmer stated in a post on "x".
The Conservative peer, known for his philanthropic work and contributions to British politics, went on to share his personal experiences and perspectives on the matter.
Lord Farmer recounted his formative years in post-World War II Britain, stating, "As a teenager, growing up in the wake of WW2, I became very aware of the cruelty meted out, before and during that conflict, against Jewish people – because they were Jewish. I found it impossible to comprehend how humans could, intentionally, be as cruel as possible to others."
This early exposure to the horrors of the Holocaust left a lasting impression on Lord Farmer. While many of his contemporaries believed such atrocities could never happen in Britain, he harbored a different view. "I sensed that this sadism could emerge anywhere, lying dormant in everyone's heart," he explained.
Lord Farmer's statement also touched on his personal connections with the Jewish community. He spoke of his professional experiences in the City of London, where he worked alongside many Jewish colleagues, including a boss who had arrived in Britain on a Kindertransport. "I experienced kindness from Jewish friends during a time when I had few close relationships, and my best man and lifelong friend was Jewish," he shared.
While Lord Farmer did not explicitly state his position on Israel's current military campaign in Gaza, his comments on antisemitism and personal experiences with the Jewish community provide context for his perspective on the ongoing conflict.