SNP discusses stance on Israel with Scottish Jewish leaders

Senior SNP figures have held a “constructive” meeting with Scotland’s Jewish communal leaders following concerns over the party’s stance on Israel during the recent conflict with Hamas.

Ian Blackford MP, the party’s Westminster leader and the Kirsten Oswald, MP for Renfrewshire, held talks with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and Glasgow Jewish Rep Council.

The meeting took place after a visit by all in attendance to the Giffnock & Newlands Synagogue.

Oswald, the SNP’s deputy leader in Westminster, later said the talks had proven to be “very constructive”.

She said discussions with the communal reps had touched upon “looking at importance of Jewish community in Scotland, interfaith dialogue and always standing against antisemitism.”

The MP also tweeted images of the group inside the Shul observing the open Sefer Torah.

Earlier this year SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon had faced criticism for her “one-sided” attack on Israel during the conflict.

Glasgow JRC president Paul Edlin had suggested Sturgeon’s failure to condemn Hamas rocket fire meant her criticism of the conflict was “not balanced”.

There were also concerns raised about antisemitic incidents at pro-Palestinian demos in Scotland.

The SNP’s shul tour was provided by Aharon Lemberger, the student chaplain and Giffnock youth rabbi.