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A leading member of Canvey’s Jewish community has claimed the BBC refused to edit parts of a documentary he feared would cause tension and misunderstanding.

Canvey: The Promised Island followed Chris Fenwick, islander and manager of rock band Dr Feelgood, as he organises a joint dinner party for both communities, aiming to fully integrate the Jewish community into the island.

Joel Friedman took centre stage for parts of the documentary and viewed the documentary with producers before the final cut.

He claimed several parts were inaccurate and asked for the mention of the number of working men in the community, as well as claims the community were late to the meal, to be removed. These specific points were subject to some criticism from residents on social media after the documentary aired.

Mr Friedman said: “I was quite satisfied with the outcome of the recent BBC documentary – and I think it’s done more good than harm.

“I’m upset with the BBC because they deliberately put in these lines in order they have some story - to ‘spice things up a little’ – or in their own words - ‘so it’s a little more balanced’. In fact, I had the chance to preview the film before the final edit and I highlighted all these points.

“However, the BBC would not budge and simply refused to edit it even though I warned them that this could cause tension and misunderstanding. It is sad because they promised that they’ll be sensitive to both the Canvey general community and to the Jewish community’s feelings.”

Mr Friedman branded some points of the show “downright unfair and scandalous”.

He said: “I challenged them about the claim that only 15 per cent of Jewish men work - and I pointed out that even if they do find proof of that, I doubt it, but this is not true in Canvey’s case – I personally know all the Jewish families and over 85 per cent of them are in full or part-time work.

“To give the impression that only 15 per cent of those in Canvey work is downright unfair and scandalous.

“The documentary also claimed we were one and a half hours late. This is the most unfair piece of filming I’ve witnessed. We arrived on time. Even after pointing this out when I watched the preview – they didn’t want this part taken out. They said ‘its just a good joke’.”

A spokesman for the BBC said: “Canvey - The Promised Island is an observational documentary following the integration of the Hasidic community and Canvey Islanders.

"The BBC is obliged to present footage captured during filming fairly and accurately, and we are satisfied this film adheres to the BBC's strict Editorial Guidelines."

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/NEWS/15828185.___BBC_ignored_warning_over_tension_from_film___/