The recently published Scottish census shows that there are Jewish people in every constituency in Scotland, so what matters to the Jewish Community should matter to every MP.  Below are just a few headline concerns; there is a great deal more information in the Jewish Manifesto for the UK produced by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

SCoJeC’s wide-ranging work includes a long-standing record of supporting Jewish organisations and individuals, fostering civic engagement, and building constructive and positive relationships across the political spectrum. More information about our work and the Jewish Community in Scotland can be found on our website.

This election takes place in the shadow of the Covid pandemic, leaving the EU, and war in Ukraine. For the Jewish Community, this background includes the worst antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust on October 7th last year, and a subsequent 400% increase in antisemitic incidents for the rest of the year. This has also led many Jews to a heightened sense of Jewish identity, and focused their minds on community engagement, solidarity and cohesion, and political events.

This complex and fast-evolving political situation poses specific challenges to Scottish and UK Jewish communities. Our Seven Principles are reflective of the values, concerns, and needs of the Scottish Jewish Community at this time, and we trust they will all have the support of all our elected representatives and members of the new UK Parliament.

We would be very pleased to hear from you to discuss any of these matters further.