As the representative umbrella body of the Jewish community in Scotland, we are acutely aware that opinions on the Middle East conflict are as diverse within our community as in the population at large. However, the vast majority are concerned about the safety and security of their family and friends in Israel, as well as being directly affected by the hate-filled and often explicitly antisemitic abuse at recent demonstrations on our streets.
Today's tragic news that another six of the Israeli hostages have been murdered in Gaza is a terrible reminder that the war was triggered by – and continues to be about – the right of the world's only Jewish state to defend its people against the genocidal ambition enshrined in the Hamas Charter. The Scottish Government cannot in conscience deny the right of the victims to prevent the promised repetition of the atrocities of October 7th. If it aspires to contribute to a resolution of this long-running and tragic conflict and supports a two-state solution, it can only do so by engaging with both parties.
The unprecedentedly high number of antisemitic incidents since October shows that the fear and anxiety felt by Jewish people in Scotland is not unfounded, which explains why people are frightened to go to work or study, are hiding their identity, and increasingly say they no longer feel welcome here and tell us they have a suitcase packed for a quick escape.
So while we welcome the assurances of the Scottish Government and Police Scotland that "there is no place for" the abuse of Jewish people in our streets, schools, and workplaces, these words need to be converted into decisive action by making full use of the hate crime legislation that is already in place. We are grateful to the First Minister for giving us the opportunity yesterday to make these points directly to him, and to urge him to ensure that verbal abuse is no more tolerated than physical abuse, and that Scotland is genuinely a modern, diverse, and welcoming country. |
