A PROMINENT rabbi has condemned the appearance of a notorious 'anti-Semite' at a Reading venue on Sunday.

At 7.30pm the Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC) will host Gilad Atzmon for the launch of his book 'Being in Time — A Post-Political Manifesto.'

Once best known for his jazz saxophone playing, Mr Atzmon has become increasingly outspoken in his opposition to Zionism - a movement to protect the Jewish nation state of Israel - after he publicly rejected his own Jewish heritage.

In December 2014 he told a Jewish Twitter user: “I am not a Jew any more. I indeed despise the Jew in me (whatever is left). I absolutely detest the Jew in you.”

In his 2011 book 'The Wandering Who' he said the Holocaust was a political tool used by Zionists to further their agenda, as rape is used by ' feminist separatist ideologists as a verification of their theories'.

Rabbi Zvi Solomons, of the Jewish Community of Berkshire, condemned Mr Atzmon and the London Street venue for hosting him.

"Atzmon who tries to dress up his pernicious views as anti-Zionist and humanistic," he said.

"He uses the language of philosophy and pseudo-intellectualism to encourage others to hate my community merely for being Jewish and having a Jewish identity.

"How would we feel if someone was saying these kind of things about the Muslim community?

"I am very distressed that whilst opposing all forms of racism, some people seem to think that you cannot be racist if you espouse anti-Semitic views.

"He should not be allowed to speak at an event or in a building that promotes the message of solidarity.”

RISC were contacted but declined to comment, beyond saying: "As far as we are concerned we are just renting out a room."

Mr Atzmon has been contacted for comment.