Scottish Jews tell Holyrood they back measures to combat Islamophobia
Comments from the representative body made in written submission to the Public Inquiry into Islamophobia
The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities has told the Scottish Parliament that it supports measures to combat Islamophobia in Scotland.
It came in a written submission to the Public Inquiry into Islamophobia and cemented the organisation’s previous commitments.
In November 2018, SCoJeC signed a joint agreement with the Muslim Council of Scotland declaring that we “stand together determined to end the hatred and extremism that affects us all”, and expressing a commitment to tackle Islamophobia and antisemitism in Scotland.
In its submission posted last week, the representative body warned that “beyond racism, religious hatred, and discrimination, there is a further barrier in the form of ‘othering’, which is part of our Jewish experience in common with the Muslim community”.
It said: “This is more insidious than hate; it implies social distance, and leads to estrangement and alienation, and makes both Muslims and Jews liable to be accused of divided loyalties.
“The Scottish Government should instead promote an inclusive and unifying narrative that respects what the former Chief Rabbi called ‘the dignity of difference’.”
The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, @ScotGovFM
has sent a Rosh HaShanah message to the #Scottish #Jewish community https://t.co/DcqrRbdKVU pic.twitter.com/I35UhUncKO— Jewish Council of Scotland – JCoS (@SCoJeC) October 2, 2019
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
