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Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jewish music bosses who called for Kneecap ban at Glastonbury targeted after names are leaked
More than 30 of Britain's top music industry moguls have been targeted in a vicious online campaign that falsely brands them 'supporters of genocide' in the Middle East, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The 'doxxing' attack is being orchestrated by former UK university professor David Miller, who is a presenter on the Iranian-backed Press TV channel. It features the names, photos and email addresses of some of pop's biggest producers, music publishers and lawyers – many of whom are Jewish – accompanied by a string of unsubstantiated and inflammatory allegations. One producer was branded a 'dedicated Zionist cancel agent', while another industry figure was accused of being involved in a 'Zionist regime front group'. Last night the Community Security Trust, a charity established to help protect Britain's Jews, condemned it as a 'particularly personal and focused attack'. Dave Rich, its head of policy, accused Mr Miller of targeting Jews 'every week' in online attacks that spark 'appalling social media pile-ons, including anti-Semitic threats and abuse'. 'For the people who get targeted by him it can be upsetting and alarming,' he added. 'We have given a lot of people across the Jewish community advice and support, including at times specific security advice, to mitigate against this.' Mr Miller's rant was published on X after the executives were named as supporters of a private email sent to Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis, her husband Nick Dewey and a man thought to be operations director Melvin Benn ahead of this year's festival. The message, which was written by a veteran agent and copied to other senior music industry figures, urged the festival to drop Irish rap trio Kneecap over its public support for two proscribed terrorist groups – Hamas and Hezbollah. The email included the names of the 34 executives, whose businesses are linked to a string of global stars. But its contents later appeared to have been leaked to Kneecap and then appeared more widely on social media. Glastonbury last night said it 'categorically' denies the email was leaked by Ms Eavis or anyone else working for the festival. Mr Miller, a 61-year-old former professor of political sociology at Bristol University, told his 94,400 X followers that if they 'oppose the genocide' they might want to write to the executives he identified. He claimed he did not publish any private information about any of the music executives but the email was marked 'private and confidential'. Mr Rich added: 'When he went after the people who signed the letter to Glastonbury it was a particularly personal and focused attack because he devoted so much social media space to publishing their pictures and names and, for some of them, contact details. 'Importantly, he's doing this as a presumably paid employee of the Iranian state through his work for Press TV.' Earlier this year Mr Miller posted social media videos appearing to show him at the Beirut funerals of Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the group's deputy Hashem Safieddine. Both were killed in Israeli air strikes. Few of the executives named by Mr Miller were prepared to speak openly when approached by The Mail on Sunday. But one of them, Leo Pearlman, co-founder of production company Fulwell Entertainment, accused Miller of having 'doxxed' the signatories to the email. Writing on LinkedIn he said: 'The purpose of the leak to Kneecap and Miller was clear: to shame, harass and intimidate. I've been saying for 20 months now that it's on all of us to speak out, to stand up and to refuse to bow to hate.' In a statement Mr Miller said that 'accountability and justice are coming for Zionist crimes. 'Under international law, this also applies to those responsible for incitement to genocide, including those in media, arts and culture. There will be no escape from accountability for Zionists in the music industry for their participation in this genocide.'
The Independent
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
University where students and staff were exposed to antisemitism promises action
A university where Jewish students and staff were exposed to antisemitism has launched a two-year 'action plan' to combat the problem. Goldsmiths, University of London said an independent inquiry into how it dealt with the issue painted a 'disturbing picture'. The inquiry, led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC, found the university could have done more, and that its processes and protocols were inadequate. A significant increase in antisemitic incidents on UK university campuses has been reported in recent years. The Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism, recorded 145 antisemitic incidents linked to students and universities across the UK in 2024. The Council and Executive Board of Goldsmiths fully endorsed the inquiry's findings, but said its strategy would still protect legitimate political protest at the university. The university said it would begin a two-year antisemitism action plan, building a 'culture of belonging for all Jewish students and staff'. Professor Frances Corner, vice-chancellor of the university said: ' Antisemitism has no place at Goldsmiths. 'As with all forms of racism, antisemitism prevents people from entering, enjoying and contributing fully to our university. 'The inquiry sets out a disturbing picture and I am sorry that our community and culture fell short of the behaviours we expect. 'The report rightly states that we owe it to former, current and future Jewish students and staff to learn from our mistakes. 'Today we commit to lasting cultural change with respect to Jewish students and staff, and for all religions and beliefs, drawing on our intellectual heritage and our longstanding belief in social justice.' The inquiry was commissioned in 2023 by Goldsmiths' Council, the university's governing body, to determine whether Jewish students or staff had experienced antisemitism. It accepted its findings in full. Tom Sleigh, chairman of Goldsmiths' Council, said: 'With antisemitism sadly shown to have risen across the university sector, reflecting a broader increase across society, the report was commissioned to have a clear picture of the situation at Goldsmiths. 'Thank you to all who contributed evidence to the inquiry and participated in any way.'
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
University where students and staff were exposed to antisemitism promises action
The inquiry, led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC, found the university could have done more, and that its processes and protocols were inadequate. Goldsmiths accepted the inquiry's findings in full (Ian Nicholson/PA) A significant increase in antisemitic incidents on UK university campuses has been reported in recent years. The Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism, recorded 145 antisemitic incidents linked to students and universities across the UK in 2024. The Council and Executive Board of Goldsmiths fully endorsed the inquiry's findings, but said its strategy would still protect legitimate political protest at the university. The university said it would begin a two-year antisemitism action plan, building a 'culture of belonging for all Jewish students and staff'. Professor Frances Corner, vice-chancellor of the university said: 'Antisemitism has no place at Goldsmiths. 'As with all forms of racism, antisemitism prevents people from entering, enjoying and contributing fully to our university. 'The inquiry sets out a disturbing picture and I am sorry that our community and culture fell short of the behaviours we expect. 'The report rightly states that we owe it to former, current and future Jewish students and staff to learn from our mistakes. 'Today we commit to lasting cultural change with respect to Jewish students and staff, and for all religions and beliefs, drawing on our intellectual heritage and our longstanding belief in social justice.' The inquiry was commissioned in 2023 by Goldsmiths' Council, the university's governing body, to determine whether Jewish students or staff had experienced antisemitism. It accepted its findings in full. Tom Sleigh, chairman of Goldsmiths' Council, said: 'With antisemitism sadly shown to have risen across the university sector, reflecting a broader increase across society, the report was commissioned to have a clear picture of the situation at Goldsmiths. 'Thank you to all who contributed evidence to the inquiry and participated in any way.'
Telegraph
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
London synagogue ‘vandalised' amid Israel-Iran war
A London synagogue has been 'vandalised' amid the ongoing Israel-Iran war. The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into an attempted burglary while forensic inquiries continue. Images posted on social media by a community group show officers standing amid the debris at Gur Synagogue in Stamford Hill, north London. One image shows a wheelchair surrounded by plastic bags and a large kitchen knife on top of it, while others depict personal lockers pulled open with contents, including prayer shawls and papers, strewn on the floor. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that monitors anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, said that it had been made aware. A spokesman said: 'At a time when community tensions are already high, this is an appalling act of vandalism which has caused significant damage to a synagogue in Stamford Hill. 'We are in touch with the location and are providing support. We urge anyone with information to contact CST and the police as a matter of urgency. An X account called In Stamford Hill posted the photos with the caption: 'A shocking incident occurred overnight where the Gur Synagogue on Lampard Grove was vandalised with the Torah scrolls desecrated.' The Torah, the compilation of the first five books of the Jewish bible, is the central document of Judaism and has been used throughout the ages. According to data from the CST, there were 3,528 instances of anti-Jewish hate recorded across the UK in 2024, marking the second-highest annual total ever reported to the organisation. The group said the figure reflects 'the sustained high levels of anti-Jewish hate that have been recorded across the country' since the October 7 attacks. Among the incidents are cases of damage and desecration to Jewish property, threats, abusive behaviour and violence, and mass-produced anti-Semitic literature. Last week, Israel launched a wave of strikes on Tehran, the capital city of Iran, killing top military officials, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran has since fired ballistic missiles in retaliation as both countries continue their attacks. Donald Trump, the US president, appeared to back down from joining Israel in its war with Iran, saying he will decide in the next two weeks if the US will intervene.
Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
British Jews warned of ‘revenge' attacks after missile strikes on Iran
British Jews have been warned to be vigilant and follow 'strict security measures' in the wake of Israel's strikes on Iran 's nuclear nuclear facilities and military bases and the subsequent aerial response from the Islamic Republic. The crisis has left Jewish leaders in the UK concerned about potential attacks closer to home. Synagogues have been placed on alert, while Israeli embassies around the world were closed due to increased threats. Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel, told The Telegraph: 'Israel's actions are extremely justified, especially when you have a country like Iran which repeatedly states the mantra 'death to Israel' and is developing nuclear weapons and trying to cover it up. 'We are aware that a number of colleagues in the UK and other countries have been targets of intended or potential attack by Iranian agents that were foiled by security services. We are very grateful to the police and security services for all they do to keep ourselves and our colleagues safe.' Protesters waived Iranian flags in London on Saturday, with crowds chanting 'Stop bombing Gaza, stop bombing Iran'. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Israel, and said: 'The situation could escalate quickly and could pose significant risks, including missile fire.' The Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect UK Jews from terrorism and anti-Semitism, said that the 'deep threat from Iran is central to our planning and our operations', but also warned security measures have been at a high level for more than 18 months since the Oct 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. They added: 'CST strongly requests that our community be vigilant and follows the strict security measures that are in place at communal buildings, events and areas.' Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Council (NSC) warned Israelis abroad to 'avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public spaces'. They added that it was likely that 'terrorist elements will seek to carry out acts of revenge against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world, including civilians'. Israel's foreign ministry also recommended that all Israeli citizens who are overseas fill out a form detailing their whereabouts. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, called on the UK Government to 'maintain its active support for Israel's defence against the murderous Iranian regime'. He added: 'We express our deep solidarity with the Israeli people at this time, and pray for their safety and security. 'We affirm Israel's right to defend itself against threats in the region. There can be no doubt about Iran's intentions to acquire nuclear weapons capability. 'This poses a grave and intolerable threat to Israel, but also to the security and stability of the region and the world.' The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) said its thoughts were with all those awaiting incoming fire from Iran. A spokesman added: 'We were grateful that successive UK governments provided life-saving support to help defend Israel from Iranian attacks, and we call on the UK to support its ally in the fight against a common threat.' They warned the Iranian regime poses a 'lethal threat, not only to Israelis and Jews worldwide but to British people here in the UK... such a regime must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons'. The warnings come as the CST recorded 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK last year, the second-highest annual total ever reported to it, after a peak the previous year. Rhetoric related to the ongoing Middle East conflict featured in 1,844 (52 per cent) of anti-Semitic incidents reported to the CST in 2024. In at least 355 of the incidents, the phrase 'Free Palestine' was said to have been used in an anti-Semitic way, by being targeted 'at Jewish people or institutions in a hostile manner simply because they were Jewish'.
