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Spectator
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Will the new anti-Semitism report change anything?
For any Jew – or anyone who is alive to Jew hate – a report from the commission on anti-Semitism to be published tomorrow will make for uneventful reading. That is no slur on the report or its authors. The Board of Deputies of British Jews asked Lord Mann, the Labour peer who is the government's anti-Semitism adviser (incongruously often described as the 'anti-Semitism Tsar') and Penny Mordaunt, the former Conservative cabinet minister, to look at the state of anti-Semitism in the UK today. John Mann and Penny Mordaunt have done Jews and those who care about Jew hate a great service Their findings have already made front page news, even before the report has been officially published. But there is not a word or a finding in it that will not be entirely familiar to any Jew. Britain's Jewish population of 287,000 see daily – indeed, on social media it is hourly – reports of anti-Semitism in the professions, on the streets, online and elsewhere, and then we wonder why so few people seem to care about the re-emergence into supposedly polite society of the world's oldest hatred. It always surprises me, for example, how few people are aware of the intense security around Jewish schools and communal buildings – and how pupils at Jewish schools undergo regular training in how to respond to a terror attack. But for all the familiarity of its findings, the report – which essentially concludes that anti-Semitism has been normalised in middle-class Britain – is nonetheless a vital piece of work. This is precisely because it brings home in unrelenting, unsparing detail the extent of anti-Semitism in Britain in 2025. Mann and Mordaunt find anti-Semitism to be pervasive in the NHS, on campus and in the arts and it highlights the appalling policing of the 'Free Palestine' hate marches. As they wrote yesterday: We heard about the noisy demonstrations and how intimidating people find the current environment, but as we dug deeper, what really scared us was the increasing normalisation of far more extreme, personalised and sometimes life-changing impact directed at individuals purely and simply because they are Jewish. They had, they said, been 'stunned into silence' by the evidence gathered during six months of research for the report. So what is going on? The story underlying the ever-widening and growing incidence of contemporary anti-Semitism in Britain is how it has changed. The late Lord Sacks described Jew hate as a mutating virus and Britain is now demonstrating this. Anti-Semitism was essentially dormant in the decades after the Holocaust, for obvious reasons. Where it did emerge, it was what one might call 'skinhead' anti-Semitism, and was from the far right. Such people still exist, but their role in today's anti-Semitism is so minuscule as to be almost entirely irrelevant. Today's anti-Semites are from the so-called Red-Green alliance: self-declared progressives and Islamists. Islamist Jew hate is so prevalent as to be one of its defining features. Spend ten minutes on social media and you will be shocked at the range and ubiquity of sermons in which the evil Jew is the target. (I recommend following @habibi_uk on X). Yet nothing is done. Literally, nothing. These imams are left free to spout their hate in sermons which regularly do not merely incite violence against Jews but urge it as part of being a good Muslim. When politicians come out with their usual blather of there being no place for anti-Semitism in Britain, they are speaking utter drivel. Anti-Semitism is not merely tolerated; many of the mosques which host these sermons are lauded as beacons of inclusivity. (It is of a piece with the police standing and watching as crowds on the hate marches shout chants calling for the murder of Jews, such as 'globalise the intifada'.) The other arm of this alliance is progressives. The incidence of anti-Semitism has increased sharply since the Hamas massacre of 7 October 2023 – in the year to 30 September 2024 official figures show a rise of 204 per cent to the highest level ever recorded. (Let that thought sink in – the response to the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust has been a rise in Jew hate). But it did not arise out of the blue. Much of it can be traced back to the advent of Corbynism, which gave license to the left's Jew hate to escape from the shadows. But many Jews – I include myself – mistakenly thought that the return of the former Labour leader and his followers to the political fringes would mark a better period. We were ahistorical to think that. History shows that the quiet years after 1945 were the aberration, not the Corbyn years. We have now reverted to the norm, which is open Jew hate, with the difference that the main purveyors are progressives. In the professions, in the arts and on campus, as well as in other spheres, those who consider themselves to be part of the community of the good direct their ire at the familiar target of history – the all-purpose villain, whether it's the Jew as coloniser, the Jew as baby-killer, the Jew as media manipulator, the Jew as financial domineer, the Jew as…the list is endless. To cite Lord Sacks again: Anti-Semitism is not about Jews. It is about anti-Semites. It is about people who cannot accept responsibility for their own failures and have instead to blame someone else. Historically, if you were a Christian at the time of the Crusades, or a German after the First World War, and saw that the world hadn't turned out the way you believed it would, you blamed the Jews. That is what is happening today. John Mann and Penny Mordaunt have done Jews and those who care about Jew hate a great service. Their findings matter to everyone, because rampant anti-Semitism is a symptom of a diseased society, and its impact always moves beyond Jews. But count me a sceptic as to whether their report will make the least difference to anything.
Malay Mail
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Kneecap defends Tom Morello from Draiman's attack, slams Disturbed frontman for endorsing Israel dropping bombs on Gaza
LONDON, July 14 — Irish hip‑hop trio Kneecap have defended rap-rock legend Tom Morello, after the latter was attacked by pro-Israel David Draiman of Disturbed. The rappers also slammed Draiman for endorsing the Israel Defence Force dropping bombs on Palestinians, by signing his name onto the missiles. 'We don't care what religion anyone if they've one at all. We love all sound c*nts,' the group wrote on X. 'Smiling and signing bombs dropped to murder kids and other people's families just makes you a straight up c*nt. Simple as. Free Palestine.' Kneecap's remark came after Draiman had criticised Morello — guitarist of the seminal Rage Against the Machine (RATM) — for his support for the band and its activism. RATM is itself known for its vocal activism and fiery lyrics against fascism and authoritarianism. Draiman had accused Morello of 'virtue signalling' and endorsing alleged supporters of terrorism and those who 'incite Jew hatred'. Morello had previously hailed Kneecap as 'the Rage Against The Machine of now' for speaking truth to power with their art. 'Kneecap are not terrorists. What is terroristic is, you know, 20,000 dead Palestinian children. That's the story. Not, I mean, some Irish rappers who don't like that that's happening,' Morello had said. Formed in 2017, Kneecap is no stranger to controversy. To their fans they are daring provocateurs who stand up to the establishment; to their detractors they are dangerous extremists. Their Irish and English lyrics are filled with references to drugs, they repeatedly clashed with the UK's previous Conservative government and have vocally opposed British rule in Northern Ireland. The trio came into fame after it projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: 'F*** Israel. Free Palestine.'
Daily Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
PAS man slams nomination of Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia
Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar urged Putrajaya to reject the nomination of Nick Adams as the next US ambassador to Malaysia. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Accepting Nick Adams as the next US ambassador to Malaysia will be seen as a direct insult to the Muslim community and the Malaysians who support Palestine, a PAS Youth leader said today. Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar claimed Adams had previously made Islamophobic comments and expressed strong support for Israel. He pointed to a post by Adams on social media, in which he claimed to have pressured a US restaurant to dismiss a waitress for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin. 'As a Muslim-majority nation that upholds justice and stands in solidarity with the oppressed, Malaysia cannot accept the appointment of someone who openly targets those who support Palestine and ridicules any expression of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. 'If the government remains silent or accepts this appointment, it will be seen as a direct insult to the Muslim community and all Malaysians who firmly support Palestine,' he said in a Facebook post. Sukri also urged Wisma Putra to exercise its rights under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows host countries to reject ambassadorial nominees deemed unsuitable or potentially disruptive to domestic harmony. 'We urge the Malaysian government to use its powers to reject Nick Adams's nomination and send a clear message to the world: Malaysia will never allow itself to become a platform for Zionist normalisation or a testing ground for Islamophobic extremism,' he said. A naturalised American citizen originally from Australia, Adams is known for his support of former president Donald Trump and was active in the 2024 US election campaign. His nomination was submitted to the US Senate on July 9 and has since drawn criticism over his history of inflammatory online commentary, including remarks targeting Muslims. The current US ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan, began his posting slightly over a year ago and remains in the role for now. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Macklemore closes Jazzablanca with a powerful message of solidarity for Palestine
The final night of the 18th Jazzablanca Festival was more than just a concert, it was a celebration of sound, spirit, and solidarity. From the opening notes to the final chant of «Free Palestine», the evening pulsed with energy, unity, and unforgettable moments. The night began with a vibrant performance by Jupiter & Okwess, all the way from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Led by the charismatic Jupiter Bokondji, known as the «Rebel General», the group delivered a high-voltage show on the Scene 21 stage at Anfa Park, blending Congolese rhythms with rock, funk, and soul. The crowd was swept into a musical journey connecting African roots with global influences. A show full of surprises The party continued on the bigger Casa Anfa stage, promising a unique fusion of Gnaoua music and jazz. Moroccan guembri player and singer Mehdi Nassouli kicked things off with flair and a few surprises. The first was the arrival of Gnaoua master Hamid El Kasri. «You can't believe how happy I am. I dreamt of being like Hamid El Kasri on stage, and tonight, I stand next to him», Nassouli told the crowd before welcoming El Kasri. Together, they performed a soul-stirring rendition of «La Ilaha Ila Allah», followed by «Moulay Hmed», which the audience sang along to, word for word. The second surprise? Moroccan star Oum, who brought Sahrawi influences to the mix. With Nassouli on bendir, the two performed her moving «Taragalte», weaving together styles and regions in a heartfelt duet. But Nassouli wasn't done surprising the crowd. He called on stage American soul singer Bilal Sayeed Oliver, who brought a wave of R&B, jazz, and groove. The performance ended in pure ecstasy with a Gnaoua classic: «Lalla Aicha», the whole stage swaying to its trance-inducing rhythm. Electrifying show and solidarity Then came the headliner the crowd had been waiting for: Macklemore, straight from Seattle. He took the stage wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh, radiating joy, defiance, and a powerful message. The show opened with «CHANT», a track filled with resilience, rebirth, and confronting fear. «This show», he said after the opening number, «is not just about me and my band. It's about you. What you give to us, we give back to you, reciprocity». Then came a trip down memory lane with Macklemore's 2012 hit «Thrift Shop». Dressed in his signature leopard-print coat from the song's music video, he shouted, «Choukran!» to the Moroccan crowd. The night was interactive, emotional, and at times spontaneous. «Does anyone know the hook to Downtown?» he asked. Two fans, Nourdine and Bella, jumped at the chance, joining him on stage for a dazzling performance. Afterward, Nourdine was spotted taking selfies with fans, still high on adrenaline. «It was amazing. I didn't expect the night to be like this, but I loved it», he told Yabiladi. But the energy also shifted to something more serious. Macklemore paused mid-show to address the war on Gaza: «As a human being, I watched a video from Gaza that tore my heart apart», he said, visibly emotional. «This time I saw a girl the same age as my daughter… and I thought, how is this still happening, this genocide?» He condemned the violence and asked: «Can we rally around justice and equality without mirroring hatred?» Then came the chant: «Free, free Palestine!» echoed by thousands. He grabbed a Palestinian flag from the audience and performed «Hind's Hall», his anthem in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Later, he left the stage to walk among the public, shaking hands. The connection was electric. Back on stage, he launched a dance-off, selecting two members of the crowd—Yassine and Salman—to battle it out to «Dance Off». Both brought the house down with their moves. «I knew Morocco would have the best dancers!» Macklemore laughed. The evening continued with hits like «Glorious» and «Summer Days», each one delivered with joy, purpose, and crowd-wide singalongs. He asked the audience to light up the sky of Casablanca, and in an unforgettable moment, thousands lifted their phones and lighters, turning Anfa Park into a sea of stars. The finale came with «Good Old Days», as confetti rained down and flags waved in every direction. To wrap up the show, Macklemore dove into the crowd wearing a green jersey that read Visit Morocco. «I had no idea what to expect tonight», he said after emerging from the crowd. «But this—this was the show of the summer. Hands down». That's how the night ended, with peace, with love, and with a final shout: «Free Palestine — until it's backwards».
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow: The Laurieston pub gets visit from Fontaines D.C.
Grian Chatten, frontman of Fontaines D.C., was spotted enjoying a drink and chatting with staff at The Laurieston Bar on Bridge Street—just south of the River Clyde—the same day the band performed at Glasgow Green. The iconic Southside venue was bustling with punters as the Dublin-born musician mingled with staff and fans. (Image: The Laurieston pub Facebook) READ MORE: Kevin Bridges poses with huge TRNSMT act The Laurieston is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in the UK, lauded for its 'cult status' and 'almost unspoilt' 1960s interior, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Glasgow's social history. The pub posted the snap on social media with the caption: "Great to have Grian Chatten from @fontainesband in the pub yesterday. Thanks for taking time to take a picture with the staff." Later that evening, Fontaines D.C. delivered a powerful set on the Main Stage, just ahead of headliners Biffy Clyro. As reported by The Glasgow Times, the band used their performance to shine a light on the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. READ MORE: Fontaines DC lead Palestine chant during TRNSMT set During their set, Chatten led the crowd in a passionate 'Free Palestine' chant following the band's performance of Bug, with many audience members joining in and waving Palestinian flags. A Palestinian flag was draped over the band's stage equipment, and guitarist Carlos O'Connell displayed a 'Free Palestine' sticker on his guitar. READ MORE: Fontaines D.C. fans are all wearing this ONE thing to TRNSMT Fans also paid tribute by donning a limited-edition Fontaines D.C. x Bohemians FC football shirt, which was released last year. Designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell in collaboration with Dublin-based Bohemians Football Club, the jersey was created to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The kit also pays homage to the band's acclaimed fourth album, Romance, which has earned widespread critical acclaim.
