Complaint
The programme included an interview with the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, following the attacks on Jewish people in Golders Green. A listener complained that it lacked impartiality because Sir Ephraim was permitted to discuss wider issues including pro-Palestinian demonstrations and Iran without being questioned on relevant topics such as his support for Israel, the conduct of the Israeli government and military in Gaza, allegations of Israeli war crimes, and the fact that his son has served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the BBC’s editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
The context here was an interview with the Chief Rabbi following the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green and amid wider concerns about rising antisemitism and the safety of Jewish communities in the UK. Sir Ephraim was interviewed about this as a prominent Jewish leader and community representative. His references to wider issues arose from his concerns about antisemitism and the safety of Jewish communities in the UK, which formed the main topic of the interview. In the ECU’s judgement the interviewer’s line of questioning, which included putting alternative viewpoints to Sir Ephraim, was appropriate in the context and consistent with the BBC’s standards of impartiality.
Not upheld
