‘Antiracist’ headteacher claims ‘96% of media is Jewish owned’

When challenged on her comment, she continued to spread the antisemitic trope. 

Kriel said: “I’m reliably informed that it’s 96 per cent Israeli controlled.”

She continued: “What... Israelis have no access to the internet? Most of us have been following the live-streaming of the genocide that way especially as 96 per cent of all media is Jewish owned.”

Daniel Sugarman, Director of Public Affairs for the Board of Deputies called the tweet a “prime example” of “virulent antisemitism.”

Sugarman said: “A proud self-declared ‘anti-racist’, previously a well-regarded headteacher, now an education consultant. Just casually and publicly coming out with Der Stürmer grade antisemitism.”

Government adviser, Tom Bennett OBE wrote on X/Twitter that Kriel’s comments were “A ghastly anti-semitic conspiracy theory.”

He told Kriel to delete her tweet: "take a while to reconsider your stance towards one of the most oppressed groups in history. It may be unintentional, but it contributes to a climate of fear, hatred and racism.”

Kriel’s tweets were still online at the time of publication.

Another teacher who goes by @aini_butt on the social media platform engaged in the discussion and replied, “we all know now!” in relation to who controls the news and BBC bias.

In November, Butt wrote on X: “Either we have people walking amongst us who are ashamed to admit that they support Zionism OR something sinister is happening under the guise of democracy!”

The former headteacher has frequently tweeted about the war. This month, Kriel wrote in a reply on the social media site that “Zionism is racism” and “Israel is a settler colonial state which upholds apartheid.” In her replies, she has also written: “Colonialism is the root cause of the situation in Palestine and Israel. And we must not forget that the land was given to Israel over there because Britain did not want them over here.”

Kriel has also cautioned against shopping at Marks and Spencer: “They’ve always been penny supportive of Zionism. If you don’t want your money to go to Israel shop elsewhere”

In December, Kriel wrote in a reply on X: “Confusion remains about the distinction between Zionists and Jews. Judaism is a religion, Zionism is a hateful nationalist ideology only followed by some Jews. It’s important] we all learn that the heinous crimes by Israel are not the actions of Jewish people but Zionists.”

Alison Kriel and Aini Butt have been approached for comment.