Jewish leaders express solidarity with Muslim community following Edinburgh attacks

Jewish leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Muslim community after a series of attacks across Edinburgh on Friday evening, describing the confrontations as “a stark reminder of the damage that prejudice and extremism can inflict on individuals and communities.”

The attacks, which took place on Friday evening over the course of an hour, began with two men being stabbed at 20:30 after leaving prayers at the city’s Broomfield Park Mosque. 45 minutes later, further to the north of the Scottish capital, other incidents followed, including the vandalising of a taxi at a petrol station and a man causing disruption at a supermarket connected to another petrol station nearby. The police subsequently made an arrest after three people were attacked on Leith Walk.

Timothy Lovat, chair of the Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) said the organisation was “deeply troubled by the violent attacks that took place this past weekend on members of Edinburgh’s Muslim community, including the stabbing of two young men leaving Broomhouse mosque and the assault on a Muslim taxi driver. Our solidarity is with everyone affected and with the wider Muslim community.

“Hatred directed at any community has no place in Scotland. We will not let acts like these define who we are. They stand against everything we work for: a Scotland where people of all faiths, and of none, can live as neighbours, in mutual respect and genuine friendship.”

The Board of Deputies amplified the JCoS statement, saying: “We share the sentiments expressed by our colleagues at the Jewish Council of Scotland.”

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, co-leads of Progressive Judaism, said: “We are horrified by the attacks across Edinburgh this weekend – which police are treating as potential anti-Muslim hate crimes. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and all those affected, and we are grateful to the police and emergency services for their swift response.

“These attacks are a stark reminder of the damage that prejudice and extremism can inflict on individuals and communities. As a Jewish Movement, we understand the fear that follows when people are targeted because of who they are, what they believe, or where they worship. No one should live with that fear.

“We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Edinburgh and across the UK, and remain committed to challenging Islamophobia, antisemitism and all forms of hatred wherever they appear.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Friday, 19 June, 2026, police received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.

“Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.

“A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and there is no further threat to the public.

“Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, supported by other specialist colleagues and local policing officers.”

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.

“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.

“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.

“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.

“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”