The Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has called for legislation to be amended to criminalize the chant "death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)," following its broadcast during a performance at Glastonbury Festival last summer. The controversy arose after the BBC aired a live performance by Pascal Robinson-Foster, of the rap duo Bob Vylan, who repeatedly chanted the phrase on stage.
Speaking at the Religion Media Festival in Westminster, Sir Ephraim argued that the current legal framework failed to adequately address such expressions, which he described as inciting hatred against millions of people in Israel. He emphasized the need for society to re-examine and potentially change its laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. “If it is conclusively the right interpretation that such expressions are harmful and should be prohibited,” Sir Ephraim said, “then we as a society need to change our laws in order not to allow such a statement to be made.”
Avon and Somerset Police investigated the incident but concluded that the statement did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution under current guidelines set by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Following this decision, the Israeli embassy in London and various Jewish organizations criticized the lack of legal action. The Chief Rabbi himself described the broadcast as a “time of national shame” in a social media post soon after the event.
The BBC, which faced significant backlash for the broadcast, expressed regret over its decision not to cut the live stream. The corporation has been previously accused by some within the Jewish community of fostering an anti-Semitic atmosphere. Sir Ephraim referenced a prior controversy involving the BBC’s coverage of an anti-Semitic attack on Jewish teenagers in Oxford Street during Hanukkah. Initial BBC reports incorrectly stated that passengers were subjected to Islamophobic slurs, whereas the Jewish community clarified that the phrases shouted were in Hebrew. The BBC later issued an apology and removed the content after an Ofcom investigation.
In response to rising concerns about anti-Semitism, a Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to combating hatred and protecting Jewish communities. The spokesperson highlighted the provision of £25 million aimed at enhancing policing and community safety. Additionally, the Home Secretary has commissioned Lord Macdonald to lead an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, including an assessment of whether current laws sufficiently safeguard against intimidation and hatred.
A BBC representative stated the broadcaster’s vigilance regarding anti-Semitism, noting that mandatory anti-Semitism training for all staff was implemented last year. Avon and Somerset Police have been contacted for further comment on the investigation and decisions related to the Glastonbury incident.