Tag: Jewish community

Edinburgh celebrates the Festival of Lights with 18th annual Scottish National Chanukah Celebration

YESTERDAY (Sunday 14th December), Scotland’s capital city hosted the 18th annual Scottish National Chanukah Celebration, organised by Chabad of Edinburgh. St Andrew Square was aglow as hundreds gathered for the joyous celebration, both from the Jewish community and wider Scottish society, but against the backdrop of the devastating antisemitic attack on a similar Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and Minister for Higher and Further Education, shared his heartfelt greetings for the holiday and a message of solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community, before ascending on a cherry picker to light the shamash (lead candle) of Scotland’s Tallest Menorah – an iconic candelabra symbolizing hope and resilience.

Rabbi Pinny Weinman of Chabad of Edinburgh and members of Edinburgh’s Jewish community shared their reflections on the themes of the holiday and their relevance to current events.

Following the lighting ceremony, attendees gathered in a large marquee set up next to the Menorah to enjoy traditional Chanukah delicacies, including latkes and sufganiyot (doughnuts), amidst an atmosphere of holiday cheer and resilience.

Rabbi Pinny Weinman of Chabad of Edinburgh, commented about the event: “Hanukkah is a celebration of light, faith, and perseverance — a time when we remember that even a small flame can dispel great darkness.

“In light of the tragic events in Sydney that have shaken the Jewish community and so many others around the world, this message feels especially powerful. Here in Scotland, the Scottish National Hanukkah Celebration brings together people from all walks of life to stand united, to reject hatred, and to reaffirm our shared values of dignity, compassion, and peace.

“Especially in challenging times, the Menorah’s light reminds us that goodness, kindness, and community spirit will always prevail. We are proud to celebrate this beautiful festival in the heart of Edinburgh, together with the entire community.”

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and Minister for Higher and Further Education, said at the event: “We meet in difficult circumstances tonight after the horrific antisemitic attack in Sydney and our thoughts are with all of those affected directly and indirectly; and today, like so many people across our city, our country and the world, our thoughts will be with you, the Jewish community, at this time.

“As the candles of the Menorah are lit here tonight, we will mark the festival of light as an enduring symbol and commitment to hope, to resilience and the faith that Chanukah represents. 

“The commitment and contribution of the Jewish community in Scotland lasts for centuries, and I know as a constituency MSP how much you contribute to the life of this city and how much this community has contributed to our story.

“Your government stands with you in celebrating your culture and your religion and particularly in solidarity with you tonight.

“As we prepare to light the Menorah, let us remember what those flames represent – they are more than candles, they are beacons of hope, particularly today and the eight days ahead.

“They remind us that even in the darkest times, light can and will endure. They call us to be courageous, to stand up for what is right and against antisemitism and discrimination, to nurture the bonds that unite us in common humanity.

“On behalf of the Scottish Government and as one of your local MSPs, I wish all of you here and the Jewish community across Scotland a joyful Chanukah. May this festival bring warmth and comfort to your homes and peace to your hearts in these difficult times and light to our shared future together.”

This year’s celebration was made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners, including the Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Essential Edinburgh, and Unique Scotland.

Swinney: Scotland must stand firm against those who seek to divide us

First Minister speaks out on Manchester synagogue attack

First Minister John Swinney has urged communities to stand united in condemnation at the violence inflicted upon the Jewish community with the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester. 

Mr Swinney said now more than ever, division and hatred of all forms – especially the evil of antisemitism – must be rejected and communities must stand firm against those that seek to divide our country. 

Last night the First Minister expressed his horror at the Heaton Park attacks during a private visit to the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, where he was able to reiterate his solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community and stress the additional and dedicated Police Scotland patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues in Scotland.

In an expression of solidarity, flags flying from Scottish Government buildings have been lowered until 20:00 today.   

Mr Swinney also received a briefing from the UK Government Security Minister, and Scotland’s Justice Secretary has had further conversations with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to ensure every necessary step is being taken in Scotland to provide reassurance to Jewish communities. 

Speaking uesterday, First Minister John Swinney said: “The horror of the violence inflicted upon the Jewish Community with the Heaton Park attack is utterly unimaginable. I cannot stress enough my sympathy with those families and their friends who have lost their loved ones, and my solidarity with the Jewish community in Scotland and across the whole of the United Kingdom. 

“I know just what a distressing time this is for our Jewish communities, with fears and worry over the consequences of Heaton Park playing on their mind. I can assure our Jewish community that we will do everything necessary to ensure their continued safety, and additional security and policing is in place around synagogues and Jewish community venues. 

“When society is faced with unimaginable horror, we must take solace in the things that unite us. We must stand firm against those that seek to divide us. Now more than ever, division and all form of hatred – especially evil antisemitism – must be rejected and I urge communities across Scotland to stand firm against those that seek to divide our country. 

“Scotland’s diversity and our inclusive outlook is one of our greatest strengths. It is a precious commodity which we must all work to cherish and maintain, especially at moments of strain.   

“In this spirit, I take great pride in Drumlanrig Peace Accord, which was agreed in Scotland and marks a profound step forward in fostering mutual respect and understanding between Jewish and Muslim communities.

“Scotland stands ready to support efforts that build bridges, promote solidarity, and ensure that all our citizens can face challenges together in peace and unity.”