Israeli consul calls for Cardiff Deputy Lord Mayor to resign or be sacked over rally speech

Israel's honorary consul in Wales has called for the resignation or sacking of Cardiff’s Deputy Lord Mayor following the emergence of a speech on YouTube in which he referred to missiles launched by Hamas against Israel as “toy rockets”.
   Cardiff businessman Philip Kaye, who has held the post of Israel’s honorary consul in Wales since 2010, said comments made by Labour councillor Ali Ahmed (who has represented Butetown on Cardiff council since 2012) during a “No Nato” rally in Newport on August 30 were “deeply offensive” to the Jewish community.
   Here are some of Mr ALi Ahmed's comments during the rally;
  “We all know what’s happening in Iraq. We all know what’s happening in Gaza, Palestine, Ukraine, Syria and Palestine. Who created all this? It’s us, America, Mr Cameron.
“When Israel decided what they wanted to do in Gaza, in Palestine – we didn’t want a war – the Palestinians defended against Israel with rockets. They’re toy rockets.
“The Israelis are firing arms and weapons made in UK and USA, supplied by America.
“We all talk about democracy. When it came to Hamas was elected in Palestine [sic], we said no. When did democracy start here?
“Who created Bin Laden? It’s America.
“Who created Isis? America. Now they’re saying no to Isis.
“Of course we don’t support Isis, but the USA created them.
“Stay away from this. Let the people of Palestine and other parts of the world live in peace.”
   Mr Ali said: “I made it clear that I was speaking at the rally in a personal capacity, and not as Deputy Lord Mayor. As a citizen of this country I have a right to express my views.”
Mr Kaye’s complaint is being looked into by the council’s monitoring officer.
    Judith Woodman, leader of Cardiff council’s opposition Liberal Democrat group, backed the call for Mr Ali to resign or be sacked. She has also reported the matter to South Wales Police for them to determine if any race or hate crime offences have been committed.
    Mr Kaye’s complaint is also being looked into by the council’s monitoring officer.

Cardiff Deputy Lord Mayor Ali Arkady at a vigil for Gaza in Cardiff, Wales last month.

Cardiff Deputy Lord Mayor Ali Arkady at the head of the anti-NATO demonstration in Newport during which he made the comments that have landed him in hot water.