SNP politician claims it is acceptable to ‘criticise Jews’ during Gaza debate
First Minister Humza Yousaf is under pressure to act after MSP John Mason made inflammatory comments about Jews in debate in the Scottish Parliament
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
AN SNP politician is at the centre of antisemitism claims after suggesting it is acceptable to “criticise the Jews” because of what is written in the bible.
In a debate about Gaza in the Scottish parliament the MSP John Mason discussed Israel saying:”“It is the only Jewish state in the world and, according to the Bible, is the land which God gave his chosen people.”
But he then added:”“Now, having said that, it does not mean that we cannot criticise the Jews or Israel. God himself is hugely critical of his people in much of the scriptures, not least when he punished them by exiling them to Babylon and elsewhere.
“So, it is not antisemitic for some to say that the present Israeli offensive has been over the top and has possibly crossed the line from defence to revenge.”
Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, said it was possible not to be antisemitic while criticising the Israeli state.
But he added that “neither are the two completely distinct and unconnected” because most Jewish people in the UK had relations or friends in Israel.
First MInister Humza Yousaf is under pressure to discipline an MSP who has already tried the patience of the party’s whips.
Craig Hoy, the Scottish Conservative chairman, said: “This is an appalling antisemitic comment from an SNP MSP that has no place in a mainstream political party.
“John Mason’s slur could not be more explicit — or ignorant. He must apologise immediately for the gross offence he has caused and Humza Yousaf must take action against his colleague.”
Mason told The Times: “Of course, not all Jewish people are in Israel, and not everyone in Israel is Jewish. However, there is a big overlap. And many Jewish people in Scotland or the UK have friends and relatives in Israel.
“So, as I said in my speech … ‘Clearly, antisemitism is not the same as valid criticism of Israel, but neither are the two completely distinct and unconnected’.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
