BBC’s Bowen sparks online anger for comments on Jewish identity

THE BBC’s Middle East editor was criticised yesterday after sharing an article he said “every Jew and gentile” should read.

Jeremy Bowen posted a link to a piece by the British-born Israeli writer Anshel Pfeffer in the Haaretz newspaper, in which he discussed his Jewish identity.

Bowen said that it was a “very interesting exploration of Judaism”. But his comments caused anger online, with prominent Jewish voices saying he would not make the same comments about other groups.

Stephen Pollard, editor of The Jewish Chronicle newspaper, said: “I wasn’t aware Mr Bowen gets to tell Jews what we should do. Even rabbis don’t order Jews around.” Mark Lewis, the media lawyer, responded on Twitter, writing: “Done that Jeremy, now what would you order me to do? Where should I report to? Anything you want me to wear to mark out my identification?”

Last October the BBC issued new employee guidance on social media usage, in an attempt to force staff to maintain impartiality online. Employees were told not to “express a personal opinion on matters of public policy, politics, or controversial subjects”.

In his article, Mr Pfeffer wrote: “If you insist on identifying as a Jew, then you have to be prepared to accept a whole lot of other despicable Jews as being equally authentically Jewish as you. We can’t get around to building a better Jewish identity without confronting, rather than denying, those other identities as Jewish, too, hateful as they are.”

Bowen told The Sunday Telegraph: “I retweeted an article by one of Israel’s best journalists, who makes the point he’s proud of his Jewish identity despite not believing in God. It was a serious piece about his view of Judaism that I felt was well worth reading. I am a strong believer in impartial reporting. My coverage here over many years relied on talking to all sides, and reading a full range of opinions.”

The BBC did not respond when asked for comment on Bowen’s tweet.

Thousands of protesters marched in London yesterday in support of the Palestinians, with organisers claiming 100,000 attendees. Protesters called on the British government to take “immediate action” to stop the violence.