Magazine chief resigns after tweet urges Jews to ‘look in their doorstep’

A media company director has resigned after a tweet sent from the official account of Esteem Magazine urged Jews to “look in their [sic] own doorstep” over antisemitism.

“Omg – why oh why throughout history do Jewish people get verbally and physically attacked? Maybe if it’s happened for millenia Jewish people look in their [sic] own doorstep,”  it read.

The tweet was sent last Saturday from the Twitter account of the Leeds-based publication, which claims to be the “biggest free lifestyle magazine in the UK”.

It was sent in response to a tweet by writer Sara Gibbs about backlash to a Labour Party Pesach greeting featuring a drawing of a loaf of a bread.

The Esteem Magazine Twitter account initially dismissed allegations of antisemitism, saying: “Again incorrect. Biggest publication in the N of U.K. HOWEVER NOT RACIST.

“We were pointing out that if there is a problem maybe look at why and address the source.”

But the account later claimed they had been hacked, adding: “The hatred and vile comments towards us has been vile.

“My half brother is Jewish. This is as offensive to us as everyone else. We have never NEVER been racist. Instead of apologies we are getting more hatred.”

Esteem Magazine apologised today for the remarks, saying: “A formal investigation will be taking place as to the origin of the comments made.

“Due to the upset caused by these comments, and the ill health which has since taken him.

“Neil Saville will be resigning as a director of both Esteem Media and Coppertop Digital Ltd today.”

Neil Saville was approached for comment but did not immediately respond.