Latest news with #JonathanTurner
Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
British Jews warned of ‘revenge' attacks after missile strikes on Iran
British Jews have been warned to be vigilant and follow 'strict security measures' in the wake of Israel's strikes on Iran 's nuclear nuclear facilities and military bases and the subsequent aerial response from the Islamic Republic. The crisis has left Jewish leaders in the UK concerned about potential attacks closer to home. Synagogues have been placed on alert, while Israeli embassies around the world were closed due to increased threats. Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel, told The Telegraph: 'Israel's actions are extremely justified, especially when you have a country like Iran which repeatedly states the mantra 'death to Israel' and is developing nuclear weapons and trying to cover it up. 'We are aware that a number of colleagues in the UK and other countries have been targets of intended or potential attack by Iranian agents that were foiled by security services. We are very grateful to the police and security services for all they do to keep ourselves and our colleagues safe.' Protesters waived Iranian flags in London on Saturday, with crowds chanting 'Stop bombing Gaza, stop bombing Iran'. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Israel, and said: 'The situation could escalate quickly and could pose significant risks, including missile fire.' The Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect UK Jews from terrorism and anti-Semitism, said that the 'deep threat from Iran is central to our planning and our operations', but also warned security measures have been at a high level for more than 18 months since the Oct 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. They added: 'CST strongly requests that our community be vigilant and follows the strict security measures that are in place at communal buildings, events and areas.' Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Council (NSC) warned Israelis abroad to 'avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public spaces'. They added that it was likely that 'terrorist elements will seek to carry out acts of revenge against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world, including civilians'. Israel's foreign ministry also recommended that all Israeli citizens who are overseas fill out a form detailing their whereabouts. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, called on the UK Government to 'maintain its active support for Israel's defence against the murderous Iranian regime'. He added: 'We express our deep solidarity with the Israeli people at this time, and pray for their safety and security. 'We affirm Israel's right to defend itself against threats in the region. There can be no doubt about Iran's intentions to acquire nuclear weapons capability. 'This poses a grave and intolerable threat to Israel, but also to the security and stability of the region and the world.' The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) said its thoughts were with all those awaiting incoming fire from Iran. A spokesman added: 'We were grateful that successive UK governments provided life-saving support to help defend Israel from Iranian attacks, and we call on the UK to support its ally in the fight against a common threat.' They warned the Iranian regime poses a 'lethal threat, not only to Israelis and Jews worldwide but to British people here in the UK... such a regime must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons'. The warnings come as the CST recorded 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK last year, the second-highest annual total ever reported to it, after a peak the previous year. Rhetoric related to the ongoing Middle East conflict featured in 1,844 (52 per cent) of anti-Semitic incidents reported to the CST in 2024. In at least 355 of the incidents, the phrase 'Free Palestine' was said to have been used in an anti-Semitic way, by being targeted 'at Jewish people or institutions in a hostile manner simply because they were Jewish'.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Photograph exhibition highlights refugees' stories
An exhibition featuring photographs and stories of asylum seekers and refugees is on display at a gallery in Hull. The stories and photos include a man whose parents died in Sudan's civil war when he was aged 14. Anei said he was imprisoned and beaten for refusing to join the militia before fleeing to the UK. Humber Street Gallery said: "It's been a real pleasure to see the work they (asylum seekers and refugees) have created, the connections they have made and their ability to play their part in telling their story." The Sanctuary exhibition includes portraits taken by asylum seekers and runs until 8 June. The exhibition producer Jonathan Turner, of Lens Lab Project, said: "The photographs taken by the group reveal aspects of the day to day tedium and frustration, as well as the joy of our days out together. "These days out felt like welcome relief, and an opportunity to connect, and perhaps in some cases process previous ordeals." Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. New airport exhibition highlights refugee plight How asylum hotels are viewed by communities in Hull Is the government meeting its pledges on illegal immigration and asylum? Community projects helping refugees feel at home Humber Street Gallery
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Humber Street Gallery exhibition shines light on Hull's refugees
An exhibition featuring photographs and stories of asylum seekers and refugees is on display at a gallery in stories and photos include a man whose parents died in Sudan's civil war when he was aged 14. Anei said he was imprisoned and beaten for refusing to join the militia before fleeing to the Street Gallery said: "It's been a real pleasure to see the work they (asylum seekers and refugees) have created, the connections they have made and their ability to play their part in telling their story."The Sanctuary exhibition includes portraits taken by asylum seekers and runs until 8 June. The exhibition producer Jonathan Turner, of Lens Lab Project, said: "The photographs taken by the group reveal aspects of the day to day tedium and frustration, as well as the joy of our days out together."These days out felt like welcome relief, and an opportunity to connect, and perhaps in some cases process previous ordeals." Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Press and Journal
13-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen's Holburn HiFi hitting the right notes despite retail challenges
For the past 52 years Holburn HiFi in Aberdeen has been helping music fans stay connected. The popular audio visual supplier has faced some tough times with retail challenges in the city. Despite this owner Jonathan Turner has continued to adapt the business and is seeing a growing demand for its installation service. Holburn HiFi not only works in homes but also commercial projects. The shop sells audio equipment and home cinema products from brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Sony, Sonos and Technics. Jonathan took over the running of the Holburn Street shop when he was just 21. He was able to buy the business with the help of an uncle who financed the deal along with other family members. Jonathan said: 'Retail in Aberdeen is generally tough. 'I think in times like these, people are a bit more careful about what they buy, they want things that are well built and are going to last a long time. 'We're selling higher-end kit, so it's people that are making an investment in maybe a turntable or a whole system that will last them a long time. 'Turntables are still a big thing and you'd be amazed how many we sell.' One thing that always proves popular with customers is the annual Record Store Day which saw customers start queuing at 11pm the night before. Its installation business, named Holburn Co, has continued to grow with Jonathan now employing five member of staff. He said: 'It's a growing part of the business, that needed a dedicated team. 'Although we do home automation, we also do commercial work as well. 'There's all sorts of jobs in weird and wonderful places. 'One project is on Papa Stour, which involves taking a ferry to Shetland, driving across Shetland, then getting another ferry again just to reach the site. 'We've also worked at the coffee shop in Balmoral Castle.' Jonathan also owns Glasgow Audio which provides the same services as Holburn Co. Looking to the future Jonathan is planning to expand the Glasgow team and hasn't ruled out expanding into other areas in the future.
Arab News
10-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
UK pro-Israel group slammed for suggesting war could reduce Gaza obesity
LONDON: A pro-Israel pressure group in the UK has been condemned for suggesting that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip may benefit from a reduction in obesity levels arising from the war, The Guardian reported on Saturday. The comments — made by Jonathan Turner, head of UK Lawyers for Israel — followed a series of warnings by the UN and aid agencies that Gaza faces imminent famine. Turner, on behalf of UKLFI, was responding to a motion set to be debated at the annual general meeting of the Co-operative Group, a major British retailer. The motion calls for the Co-operative to stop stocking Israeli products, as part of the worldwide Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. UKLFI urged the Co-operative council to withdraw the motion. In doing so, Turner highlighted the motion's reference to a letter published last year by The Lancet, a leading medical journal, which said the death toll in Gaza could be far higher than the 52,000 put forth by the enclave's Health Ministry. Turner said the letter 'ignored factors that may increase average life expectancy in Gaza, bearing in mind that one of the biggest health issues in Gaza prior to the current war was obesity … These factors include the possible reduction in the availability of confectionery and cigarettes.' Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said on X that Turner's comments represent 'atrocious views,' adding: 'How very kind of Israel to put 2.3 million Palestinians on an enforced diet to improve their obesity levels.' The Lancet has published several studies relating to Israel's war in Gaza. One found that life expectancy in the enclave plunged by 34.9 years during the first year of the war. Gaza's pre-war life expectancy was 75.5 years. Since March, Israel has implemented a total blockade on the entry of humanitarian goods to the enclave. Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: 'As children in the Gaza Strip face the growing risk of starvation, illness and death, the suggestion by the head of UK Lawyers for Israel that they might benefit from weight loss is utterly sickening. 'These repulsive comments illustrate exactly what it means to be 'for Israel' and how low its apologists are prepared to sink in their attempts to justify genocide in Gaza.' UKLFI previously faced controversy over the removal of artwork made by Palestinian children in a London hospital. The organization submitted a complaint to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in 2023, claiming that artwork created by Palestinian children and displayed in the facility made Jewish patients feel 'vulnerable, harassed and victimized.' The hospital removed the works.
