James O’Brien sparks fury after reading out antisemitic ‘blood libel’ about Jewish children live on air
LBC presenter repeats claim that at 'Shabbat School' UK Jewish children are taught that 'one Jewish life is worth thousands of Arab lives, and that Arabs are cockroaches to be crushed'
www.jewishnews.co.uk
A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson described the comments as “a modern blood libel on national radio, amplified by a host who likely wouldn’t think twice about cutting off the caller were he promoting such grotesque falsehoods about another minority. No such generosity for the Jews.”
The organisation further described the comments from O’Brien as “not only a baseless fiction and totally repugnant, but to broadcast it is unbelievably reckless. It is practically an invitation to disaffected people to target Jews in the UK – why not, if they are a ‘side’ in this conflict? It is deplorable the depths that some talkshow hosts will sink to inflame their listeners and drive up ratings. The consequences are borne by British Jews.”
A CST spokesperson said: “The accusation that this is taught in Jewish schools is absolutely disgusting. It is a vile new low for James O’Brien and his LBC broadcaster.”
A Jewish Leadership Council spokesperson said: “For James O’Brien to uncritically read out this outrageous claim as the truth is irresponsible and dangerous journalism.
“At a time of heightened antisemitism when synagogues and Jewish schools require increased security, the threat created by such unsubstantiated claims is real. LBC must urgently investigate and explain how this was allowed to be read out by their presenter.”
A Board of Deputies spokesperson said: “We are urgently seeking a meeting with senior executives following the completely unacceptable and highly offensive comments made by James O’Brien on his LBC show today. Broadcasting such a transparent falsehood and demonising the British Jewish community – at a time when antisemitism in this country is at terrifyingly high levels – must have clear consequences. LBC should apologise and take Mr O’Brien off the air.”
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