Jewish group condemn venue silence over Manchester synagogue attack as ‘utterly unforgivable’

The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region has called the lack of response from a concert venue following the 2 October synagogue attack in the city “utterly unforgiveable”.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said universities have powers to “take action to prevent harassment and intimidation” ahead of Bob Vylan’s upcoming gig at Manchester Academy, a venue associated with the University of Manchester.

Phillipson said remarks made by a member of the outspoken punk duo could cause “fear and intimidation”, when asked whether the 5 November performance should be stopped.

“I don’t know the specifics in terms of the ownership of that site and where that sits, but I am deeply, deeply troubled by some of what we’ve heard from the individual in question in that group, about the fear and intimidation that could cause,” she told BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

“Universities have powers to take action to prevent harassment and intimidation.”

She added that university staff must “prioritise attending” antisemitism training, particularly security teams who manage relationships between students and police.

The JRC had already demanded “urgent action” last month over the planned performance, saying it would cause “significant concern” in the community.

In an updated statement, the group said the concert – by an artist it accused of having “repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate political discourse into antisemitism and incitement” – must be cancelled.

“There is a vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism,” it said.

Bob Vylan sparked outrage at Glastonbury in June for chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” during a live BBC broadcast.

BBC director-general Tim Davie later called the decision to air the set “a very significant mistake”, describing the performance as “antisemitic” and “deeply disturbing.”