This weekend, the BBC admitted it “regrets” failing to cut the livestream of British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set, during which the lead singer chanted “death to the IDF” and the controversial slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine must be free” — phrases widely recognized as antisemitic and a denial of Israel’s right to exist.
The BBC acknowledged that these “antisemitic sentiments… were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.” Yet despite an on-screen warning, the performance was not pulled. The backlash has reached the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanding answers, and the UK media regulator Ofcom now investigating the incident.
At CJUI, we are deeply disturbed by the normalization of genocidal language in the name of “activism.” Chanting for the death of Jewish soldiers — most of whom are young conscripts defending their families from terror — is not protest. It is hate speech.
Freedom of expression ends where incitement to violence begins. There must be accountability — not only from performers but from institutions like the BBC who platform such messages unchecked.
We call on the BBC to conduct a full review of its live broadcast protocols and to take real steps to prevent antisemitic incitement from reaching millions under the guise of art or music.
Silence is complicity. We will not be silent.
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Christians and Jews United for Israel
Promoting peace. Confronting hate. Standing together.
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