PREVIEW

Chief Rabbi Condemns BBC's Airing of Anti-Semitic Chant at Glastonbury. UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has condemned the BBC for airing a performance by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, during which the band led the crowd in chants of “death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces). Mirvis called the broadcast a “national shame,” criticizing the BBC’s failure to act in time and pointing out the rise of toxic Jew-hatred being disguised as political commentary. The BBC acknowledged their mistake, stating that in hindsight, they should have stopped the stream during the performance, but emphasized the challenges of handling live broadcasts. The incident has sparked a wider debate, with the BBC’s response to the live situation being called mishandled and weakening public confidence in their commitment to combat antisemitism. Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into the performances of both Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap, after reviewing footage of their sets. The investigation is looking into whether the comments made during their performances amount to criminal offences, with early stages focusing on public order. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the scenes as "appalling and unacceptable," adding to the growing criticism over the festival's broadcast. The controversy highlights a wider concern about the normalization of hate speech and violence under the guise of edgy political statements. Mirvis emphasized that such displays of hate pose a significant threat to societal harmony, urging the public to recognize and challenge this dangerous trend. The BBC’s belated response has raised questions about the broadcaster's responsibility in preventing hate speech during live events.
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