Scotland's First Minister John Swinney is facing significant criticism after holding a meeting with Muslim community leaders to discuss the Gaza conflict while notably excluding representatives from Jewish organisations.
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, has drawn sharp condemnation from Scottish Jewish leaders who described the exclusion as "deeply troubling" and creating a "dangerous precedent" in how the Scottish Government engages with different communities during international crises.
Community Leaders Voice Outrage
Ephraim Borowski, director of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, expressed profound disappointment at being sidelined from discussions about a conflict that directly affects Jewish people in Scotland.
"The Jewish community is as much affected by the repercussions of the Hamas massacre and the war in Gaza as the Muslim community is," Borowski stated. "To exclude one community while engaging the other undermines the Scottish Government's claim to represent all Scots equally."
Government Defends Decision
A Scottish Government spokesperson defended the meeting, explaining it was specifically arranged to address concerns raised by Muslim communities about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They emphasised that the government maintains "regular engagement with a range of faith groups and community organisations."
However, critics argue that holding separate meetings based on faith affiliation during an ongoing conflict that affects multiple communities sends the wrong message about interfaith relations in Scotland.
Growing Tensions in Scottish Communities
The controversy comes amid rising community tensions in Scotland since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza. Police Scotland has reported a significant increase in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across the country.
Community leaders from both faiths have expressed concern about the polarising effect the conflict is having on Scottish society and have called for inclusive dialogue that brings all affected communities together.
Calls for Inclusive Approach
Jewish community representatives have urged the Scottish Government to adopt a more balanced approach to engagement on the Middle East conflict, arguing that excluding any community from discussions about matters that directly affect them risks deepening divisions.
"If the First Minister wants to discuss the impact of the conflict on Scottish communities, he should speak to all Scottish communities affected," Borowski emphasised. "Selective engagement only serves to widen existing divides."
The Scottish Government has indicated it remains committed to engaging with all communities but has not yet confirmed whether a separate meeting with Jewish leaders will be arranged to address their specific concerns about the conflict's impact.
