Martin Blackham, a UK-based radio journalist who reports on the Gaza conflict from Israel, has filed a formal complaint against Barclaycard, alleging anti-Semitic behaviour by the company’s staff.
Blackham’s complaint, addressed to Barclays CEO CS Venkatakrishnan and seen by Business Matters, centres on the bank’s refusal to maintain his credit card limit, which he claims is vital to his safety while working overseas in a conflict zone.
In his letter, Blackham expressed his frustration at the lack of response from Barclays, noting that he first contacted them more than a month ago, on 8 August 2024, without receiving even a courtesy response. He stressed the crucial role that access to emergency funds plays for journalists covering conflicts abroad, noting that being denied such facilities could expose him to life-threatening situations.
“The inaction of Barclaycard staff, particularly while I was in Israel, clearly indicates anti-Semitism,” Blackham wrote in his letter, calling for a full investigation into the matter and demanding assurances that the existing credit line would be restored immediately.
Blackham’s allegations highlight broader concerns about discrimination within commercial institutions, particularly towards people in high-risk professions such as journalism. His call for a comprehensive review of Barclaycard’s actions adds to the scrutiny financial institutions face over their customer service practices, particularly in sensitive geopolitical contexts.
Barclays and its chief executive have yet to comment on the allegations, but the case raises important questions about how major financial institutions deal with issues involving discrimination and the specific needs of customers working in conflict zones.
With tensions and conflict escalating in Gaza, this incident is a stark reminder of the critical support journalists need working in difficult and often dangerous conditions abroad. The outcome of Blackham’s complaint could set a precedent for how financial institutions handle similar cases in the future.