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Jewish woman's outrage at 'unbalanced' Israel/Palestine panel

The Sheffield Festival of Debate denied that it lied over a discussion on Israel/Palestine that went ahead despite protestations over its one-sided nature

May 9, 2019 08:47
A Facebook post by the My Name is Rachel Corrie production team revealed the debate went ahead despite the protestations of a Jewish member of the public
2 min read

A Sheffield political event has denied that it lied to a local Jewish resident after pledging to ensure discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict were more “balanced” — only to renege on the promise.

Ellie Phillips, from Sheffield, contacted the Festival of Debate to complain that six events on the Middle East — including the My Name is Rachel Corrie play, about the death of am American pro-Palestinian activist in Gaza — exclusively featured panellists supportive of the Palestinian cause.

They included pro-Palestinian journalist Ben White and Abdi-Aziz Suleiman, who has appeared on Iranian state-backed Press TV.

Ms Phillips, 50, told organisers: “You are hosting events on sustainability, the environment, health, faith, adoption, climate change, menstruation, sexuality, mental health, money etc.