‘Blackface’ warning for Purim costumes Twitter bans group following CST alert

The far-right extremist group Patriotic Alternative has been suspended from Twitter after the Community Security Trust accused it of using social media to promote antisemitism and racism to its followers.

CST had reported accounts run by group activists Mark Collett, Laura Towler and Sam Melia to Twitter, saying they belonged to an extreme right-wing antisemitic organisation.

It followed a series of inflammatory posts by Collett, the group’s leader, and his blue tick status after new Twitter owner Elon Musk allowed users to purchase o cial verification.

Collett, a former chairman of Young BNP, was once recorded boasting: “Hitler will live forever.” He has enjoyed renewed popularity with Patriotic Alternative, which has aimed to stir up hatred in recent weeks toward asylum seekers who are housed in hotels in the UK.

mindful when choosing fancy dress to avoid costumes that can stereotype or o end other communities”.

The warning follows the emergence last year of individuals who were videoed taking part in Purim celebrations in blackface and Rastafarian clothing, which sparked anger.

In a leaflet distributed to the community, Glanville wrote of Purim being a “joyful occasion” and one in which “cultural histories” could rightly be celebrated.

He added that the Charedi community was “such an important part of our unique and special borough” but that there was also a need to “respect the traditions and identity and dignity of other community groups, which is why I am asking for people in Stamford Hill to be particularly mindful when choosing fancy dress”.

On social media Collett has frequently backed ideas around “great replacement theory” along with tropes about Jewish power.

Towler, Patriotic Alternative’s deputy leader, was previously suspended from Twitter, but returned in December 2021.

He recently praised Musk for allowing more anti-immigrant sentiment to be published. Europe’s Jews may feel less attached to their home countries than the general population but are still more inclined towards where they live than other minorities, a new report reveals.

As