Roberta Moore and the Sliming of the English Defence League: The True Facts Here

A pro-Jewish activist named Roberta Moore appears to be the reason for the Geller/Spencer split with the English Defence League (EDL).  As noted in a prior post, the EDL is an English organization opposed to the Islamization of Great Britain; Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer are also opposed to Islamization but split with the EDL over its alleged ties to "Neo-Nazis."  Geller runs the blog "Atlas Shrugs" and Spencer runs the website "Jihad Watch."

No evidence has been presented to document these alleged Neo-Nazi ties, and Geller and Spencer seem to have relied solely on the expressed opinion of one Roberta Moore.

Roberta Moore was the head of the EDL's Jewish Division, but departed the organization, complaining ambiguously of Nazis in the group.  She offered no specifics whatsoever, and EDL supporters say that she has no facts to offer.  However, a little internet research reveals Ms. Moore has an ax to grind with the EDL and her accusations highly suspect.

According to the Jewish Chronicle Online, Moore was criticized within the EDL of being "a divisive figure," ostensibly because she tried to link the EDL's Jewish Division with a radical Jewish group in America, the Jewish Task Force. Jewish Chronicle Online reports:

Ms Moore had attempted to co-ordinate her efforts with those of the far-right American Jewish Task Force, whose leader Victor Vancier has been imprisoned for terrorism offences. The move, in February, was heavily criticised by the EDL leadership.

In a prior article, the Jewish Online Chronicle described the rift between the EDL and Roberta Moore:

"A member of the Jewish Division this week decided to link herself with terrorist organisation JTF. This was the decision and wishes of one single individual within the EDL, and does not mean that the EDL is linked with this movement.

"If they [the Jewish EDL] continue with their plans to forge links with the terrorist JTF, the EDL will have no option but to sever its links with the Jewish division as we cannot support terrorist sympathisers."

But Ms Moore said she was determined to continue the affiliation. She said the EDL leadership who had released the statement were "complete idiots," adding: "I have put my foot down; I am the one in contact with the JTF. If some people don't like it, then screw them. There are lots of Jewish people very upset that the EDL put out that statement - and I haven't received any personal messages telling me to cut off contact with Victor."

However, the EDL made it clear that they and Ms Moore were at odds on the matter. A spokesman said: "The EDL never has and never will have any affiliations with the Jewish Task Force. Unfortunately Ms Moore has caused a great deal of trouble and unrest within the EDL because of her gung-ho attitude."

So it appears that the EDL criticized Moore for supporting violent extremists and moved to expel her from the EDL based on this fact.  Moore's claim that "Nazis" have infiltrated the EDL appears to be nothing more than personal pique and a desire for revenge.  That, and to construct a plausible (but false) reason for her departure (under pressure) from the EDL.

Pamela Geller denounced the EDL simply on the basis of Moore's unproven charges, and Robert Spencer followed along because he seems to uncritically do whatever Geller wants.

Meanwhile, check out the reader comments at Spencer's site, Jihad Watch.  They raise some excellent points and their criticisms of Pamela Geller appear both fair and accurate.