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'STAND UNITED'
BBC director general Tim Davie fires warning to all staff amid claims of anti-Semitism at corporation
Figures released this week by The Community Security Trust show anti-Semitism hit an all-time high last year
THE BBC’S director general fired off a warning to all staff yesterday amid claims of anti-Semitism at the corporation.
Tim Davie said there was no place at the BBC for “racist abuse”.
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He urged employees to report any anti-Semitic attacks, saying: “We must stand united against any form of abuse, prejudice or intolerance.
“There can be no place at the BBC for racist abuse of any kind, whether towards our Jewish colleagues or indeed colleagues from any background or belief.”
Mr Davie’s crackdown comes after Apprentice candidate Dr Asif Munaf was dropped from spin-off show You’re Fired! after making a string of anti-Semitic slurs.
And senior BBC Three scheduling coordinator Dawn Queva was sacked after she branded Jewish people “lying scum” and compared Israeli leaders to Adolf Hitler.
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Figures released this week show anti-semitism hit an all-time high last year in an “explosion of hatred” against the Jewish community following the Hamas terror attacks on Israel.
The Community Security Trust (CST) said the surge in anti-Jewish attacks, threats and abuse amounted to a “celebration” of Hamas’s Oct 7 massacre by anti-Semites.
James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, branded the rise in anti-Semitism “utterly deplorable”.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said the rise was “appalling and intolerable” and a “stain on our society”.
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Tim Davie's email in full
Dear all,
As we continue to cover events in the Middle East and their repercussions around the world, I, and all the Executive team, remain aware of how difficult and demanding this period has been for so many of you. We want to thank you all for your focus and hard work and also to reaffirm how important it is for each of us to hold true to our BBC values and continue to support each other.
I have talked in the past of the importance of kindness and treating those around us with consideration and respect. In these troubled times, it is more vital than ever that we act with empathy and humanity. Thank you to everyone who continues to offer support to all those working under increased pressure.
As an organisation, we must stand united against any form of abuse, prejudice or intolerance. As many of you may have seen, sadly in recent weeks we have been alerted to some antisemitic behaviour by people who worked with us. I want to be clear that there can be no place at the BBC for racist abuse of any kind, whether towards our Jewish colleagues or indeed colleagues from any background or belief. Any form of antisemitism, Islamophobia or racist abuse is abhorrent, and we will always act whenever it occurs. We must play our role to build understanding and tolerance.
When we come to work at the BBC, each of us brings our different experiences, beliefs and perspectives. This is our strength, and that diversity of views is critical to a creative organisation that serves the public. Together, we have an incredibly powerful opportunity and role to help bring people together at a time of polarisation and division.
If you have any concerns, about any form of abuse, I would ask you to speak up, either to your line manager or by using the support at work or whistleblowing services. The senior team and I are listening. We will continue to talk to a range of groups across the organisation as part of our shared commitment to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of background or belief.
The BBC is a precious institution which commands a unique place in the national conversation – and around the world. Your support in continually demonstrating our values is appreciated and critical to maintaining this position.
Best wishes,
Tim