Antisemitic Incidents Spike After Bob Vylan Glastonbury Set, Charity Reports

Reports of antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom surged following a controversial performance by punk duo Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival in June, according to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK. The CST reported a total of 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the first half of 2025, marking the second-highest number ever recorded by the organization for that period.

The report highlights a concerning trend of rising antisemitism, with an average of 8.4 incidents reported daily during the first six months of the year. The single highest daily total, 26 incidents, occurred on June 29th, the day after Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury, which included a chant of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]" and other remarks deemed derogatory.

CST Report Details "Extreme Levels of Jew-Hatred"

The CST characterized the situation as Jewish communities facing "extreme levels of Jew-hatred." While the overall number of incidents represents a decrease of approximately 25% from the record high reported in the first half of the previous year, the persistent high levels remain a cause for serious concern.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper responded to the findings, stating that antisemitic incidents and crimes "remain shamefully and persistently high." She reiterated the government's commitment to combating antisemitism in all its forms.

Glastonbury Performance Sparks Outrage

Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, which was livestreamed on BBC iPlayer, drew immediate criticism for its anti-Israel rhetoric. The BBC and Glastonbury issued apologies following the performance. The incident is currently under police investigation.

The CST noted that many of the reported incidents were directly related to anti-Jewish responses to the events at Glastonbury, as well as to the CST's own statement on social media, which described the chants as "utterly chilling."

During the performance, singer Pascal Robinson-Foster, known as Bobby Vylan, also referenced a former record label boss who he claimed was a strong supporter of Israel and had advocated for the cancellation of Irish-language rap trio Kneecap's Glastonbury performance. Vylan stated he had done everything "from working in bars to working for [expletive] Zionists."

In a subsequent statement, Bob Vylan clarified their position, stating: "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine."

Broader Context: Israel-Gaza Conflict and Antisemitism

The CST report highlights the correlation between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the rise in antisemitic incidents. "Both of these cases illustrate how sentiment and rhetoric towards Israel and Zionism influence, shape and drive contemporary anti-Jewish discourse, online and offline, often around totemic events that grab mainstream public attention," the report stated.

According to the CST, just over half (51%) of all incidents in the first half of the year "referenced or were linked to Israel, Palestine, the Hamas terror attack (of 7 October 2023) or the subsequent outbreak of conflict."

Expert Analysis: The Blurring Lines Between Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism

Dr. Miriam Berg, a sociologist specializing in the study of antisemitism at the University of Manchester, notes the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and antisemitism. "While criticizing a government's actions is a protected form of free speech, the line is often blurred when that criticism veers into demonization, double standards, or the application of tropes historically associated with antisemitism," Dr. Berg explains. "The Bob Vylan incident, and the subsequent spike in reported incidents, underscores this complex and sensitive issue."

Historical Context: Antisemitism in the Arts

The relationship between artistic expression and antisemitism is a long and fraught one. Throughout history, literature, art, and music have been used to both combat and propagate antisemitic sentiments. The current controversy surrounding Bob Vylan echoes similar debates that have occurred throughout the decades, highlighting the ongoing challenge of navigating freedom of expression while combating hate speech.

Professor David Feldman, Director of the Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism, Birkbeck, University of London, adds "The arts are a crucial space for difficult conversations, and artists should not be afraid to tackle complex issues. However, this must be done responsibly, with an awareness of the potential impact of their words and actions. The line between provocative art and harmful rhetoric can be thin, and it is essential that artists engage with these issues thoughtfully."

Other Notable Incidents

The second-worst day for reported antisemitic incidents was May 17th, with 19 incidents, following Israel's announcement of an expansion of its military operation in Gaza.