Tag: Bondi Beach attack

Solidarity with Jewish Communities

FM: “Scottish Government stands firmly against all forms of antisemitism”

First Minister John Swinney has extended his condolences and spoken of the Scottish Government’s solidarity with Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world following the terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Chanukah.

Mr Swinney expressed his horror at the “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” and condemned all forms of antisemitism. The First Minister confirmed the Scottish Government is liaising closely with Police Scotland and relevant partners to ensure safety for Jewish communities and their places of worship.

The First Minister said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah. What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.

“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack. In this moment of darkness and pain, the Scottish Government stands firmly against any and all forms of antisemitism – an evil which has absolutely no place in our society and which we must confront.

“I also want to assure our Jewish communities that the Scottish Government is in very close contact with Police Scotland, and other relevant partners, to put in place the appropriate measures to ensure safety around places of worship at this time.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that our Jewish communities here in Scotland feel safe and supported and able to live free from fear.

“The world needs acts of goodness, kindness, and light at this time more than ever. We condemn the appalling acts of violence perpetrated in Australia over the weekend, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities as they come together to celebrate Chanukah.”

Statement from the Jewish Council of Scotland on the terror attack in Bondi Beach, Sydney

OUR hearts go out to the victims of yesterday’s attack in Sydney and their families.

It is intolerable that in the current climate of antisemitism, Jews cannot gather publicly or celebrate religious festivals in any part of the world without fear of attack.

The news from Sydney yesterday is also a dreadful reminder of the risks facing our Jewish community here in Scotland. There must be no place for anti-Jewish hate – in any guise – anywhere in Scotland.

We will not be deterred by antisemitism or acts of terror, and we will celebrate Chanukah throughout Scotland.

We are liaising closely with Police Scotland and with the Community Security Trust (CST) to ensure that appropriate police and security arrangements are in place, and we thank them for their continuing support.

We will also continue to engage with the Scottish Government and local authorities to put in place longer-term measures to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Scotland.

We wish our community and friends across Scotland a happy – and peaceful – Chanukah.

Timothy Lovat, Chair

Jewish Council of Scotland

POLICE SCOTLAND STATEMENT:

Statement from ACC Steve Johnson following terrorist incident in Australia

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “Our thoughts are with the Jewish community, the victims, families, and everyone affected by the incident in Australia.

“Officers are already carrying out additional and dedicated patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues as part of our existing policing plan for Hanukkah.

“Following the incident, we are actively communicating with faith leaders and community leaders.

“We are also engaging with a wide range of local, national and international partners to ensure our communities are safe.

“While there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat in Scotland, I want to take this opportunity to ask the public to remain alert but not alarmed. You should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.

“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of all our communities.”