BBC must state the obvious

In the wake of the Beth Israel shul siege, Stephen Pollard (BBC’s Texas coverage reveals its issues with Jews, 21 January 21) concludes that the BBC “has a serious issue with Jews”.

But whilst the BBC strenuously fights against any accusations of bias on its part against Israel or Jews, it would seem to fear accusations of Islamophobia more. For in its unflagging attempts to be seen as politically correct and “woke”, it is unable to bring itself to state the obvious: that Islamic extremism walks hand in hand not only with anti-Zionism but also with antisemitism.

A pity. Because, among other things, this surely helps maintain a climate where it is more difficult for those many Muslims wishing to dissociate themselves from Islamic terror. Elana and Mike Fligg

Leeds

VUsing his own definition, Stephen Pollard doesn’t find the BBC to be institutionally antisemitic.

Lord MacPherson’s definition can be met without employees en masse and the leadership of an organisation being intentionally racist.

Recent weeks have seen the arrogant BBC response to formal complaints over its lamentable reporting of the Chanukah bus incident; the failure to consider antisemitism in reporting Colleyville; a Radio 5 host intervening to deny any evidence of Corbyn’s antisemitism etc.

All are in keeping with a record which extends via the notorious 2015 Tim Wilcox Paris interview at least back to June 1967, when the BBC nearly refused to broadcast Michael Elkin’s accurate reports from Israel.

Some of this may be ignorance not malice and there are exceptions, but that’s little mitigation for the damage done.

The BBC should be investigated independently and the report made public.

Joel Charin

London N3 3AH