SCOTTISH Palestine Solidarity Campaign@scottish_psc has launched a new Scotland-wide interactive map spotlighting 120+ Apartheid Free Zones, including @govanhillapartheidfreezone.
Cafés, shops, unions, musicians, community groups and organisations standing in solidarity with Palestine.
These spaces have pledged to support the BDS movement, boycott companies complicit in Israeli apartheid, and build anti-racist, ethical communities rooted in justice.
From local workplaces to cultural hubs, AFZs show that while governments stall, people are taking action. An act of solidarity forming a powerful, growing network of hope and resistance across Scotland.
Explore the map: www.apartheidfree.scot� Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
The Jewish Council of Scotland response to Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign
The Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) is alarmed at the announcement reported in yesterday’s media of the Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign – launched by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which aims to achieve a boycott of Israel across Scotland in support of the Boycott, Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The strident hatred and intimidation associated with this movement has a profound effect on Jews living in Scotland, and with ever increasing incidents of antisemitic behaviour towards the Jewish population this activity is of significant concern to us.
JCoS believes the impact of this campaign will build on the fear created by the so-called Leith ‘Zionist Free Zone’ in Edinburgh, which many Jews in Leith regarded as targeting them, regardless of their personal views on Israel.
“Our concern is that Jewish people in Scotland will be branded as racist”, says Timothy Lovat, Chair of JCoS. “This campaign does nothing to attack racism and promote racial equality in Scotland.”
From JEWISH COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND and GLASGOW JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
“Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and the Jewish Council of Scotland welcome yesterday’s Glasgow Sheriff Court verdict finding Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign founder member Mick Napier guilty of a racially aggravated breach of Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.
“As reported in the media, we understand that Mr Napier was found guilty of having behaved in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm, aggravated by prejudice related to religion, or a social or cultural group with a perceived religious affiliation, in this case directed towards Sammy Stein – a Jewish person.
“There must be no place for antisemitism – in any guise – in Scotland.”
Henry Lovat President, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council
Timothy Lovat Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland
Israeli genocide cheerleaders secure conviction against lifelong anti-racist and Palestine solidarity organiser
STATEMENT from SCOTTISH PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
Palestinian protest Edinburgh 17th oct’ 2015
In Glasgow’s Sheriff Court today (Tuesday 23 December), Sheriff John McCormick handed down a shocking verdict, finding SPSC founding member Mick Napier guilty of racism for verbally calling out the leader of Glasgow Friends of Israel.
The same sheriff jailed five activists last August for trying to interdict the supply of arms from Thales in Govan to the genocidal Israeli military.
The pro-Israel group whose leader made the complaint of racism on which the police, prosecutors and sheriff acted,
described Palestinians murdered by Israel as “euthanised”
welcomed the 2019 mass murder of 51 Muslims in New Zealand as “payback for what they have done around the world”
discussed how a Muslim lawyer, who supported Palestine, “should be strangled with her own scarf”
called two anti-Zionist rabbis “disgusting Jews”
The complainer, Sammy Stein, joined a recent anti-asylum seeker, pro-genocide demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson supporters in Glasgow and worked with a well-known fascist, antisemite and holocaust denier to harass Palestine supporters.
An appeal against conviction and the £600 fine has been lodged.
SPSC will continue our work to expose Glasgow Friends of Israel, including Sammy Stein, as the genocide deniers and cheerleaders that they are. They work in collaboration with Israeli government officials to target SPSC, our members and partners, because the international Palestine solidarity movement to boycott and isolate Israel is growing and making an impact.
It is critical that we continue to organise and build the movement in Scotland – if you are not already an SPSC member, you can join here.
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.”
Joint Statement from Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, Jewish Council of Scotland and Board of Deputies of British Jews in Response to Planned Annual Palestinian Flag-Raising In Glasgow:
“We are deeply concerned by the combined Palestine-Saltire flags being flown on council property in Scotland.
“This campaign is politicising public property in way that appears intentionally divisive, causing significant distress to many within the Jewish community, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh.”
“We are also troubled that Glasgow City Council’s 2024 decision to introduce an annual Palestinian flag-raising linked with the UN’s International Day of Solidarity has, in the current climate, contributed to the concerns felt within the Jewish community.
“These developments have highlighted the need for careful, sensitive decision-making in civic spaces. As we have consistently raised with local and Scottish government, it is vital that the Israel-Palestine conflict is not imported into civic spaces in ways that risk deepening division. Local authorities should instead prioritise fostering community cohesion and mutual respect.
“Every community in Scotland must have confidence that civic decisions are guided by fairness, balance and a commitment to mutual respect. We remain committed to working constructively with both councils and the Scottish government to ensure that all communities feel safe and respected.”
Attack on Heaton Hebrew Congregation: Statement from Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland, Henry Lovat, President, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and Matthew Shaps, Chair, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation (written 2nd October 2025, following the conclusion of Yom Kippur):
“We are devastated by the terrorist attack that took place this morning at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, on Yom Kippur.
The victims, their families, and the entire Manchester Jewish community are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound grief and fear.
This awful attack is a tragic reminder of the manner in which hatred and intolerance towards Jewish people – whether put explicitly as such or directed (nominally) at “Zionists” or other euphemisms – can translate into deadly acts of violence aimed at our community.
Sentiments of concern and condolence from those whose words and conduct have previously increased rather than addressed the fears of our community, will inevitably ring hollow.
Rather, to be meaningful any words of concern must now be matched by substantive action to confront and combat antisemitism in all its forms.
Anti-Jewish sentiment and communal fears in the UK have been stoked by our political leaders’ use of inflammatory and irresponsible language about the ongoing, tragic conflict in Israel and Gaza.
With this in mind, we call on political and community leaders across Scotland to act urgently to stop fanning the flames of hatred, and – once again – to work with and alongside, rather than vilifying and alienating, the Jewish community of Scotland, to support rather than undermine community cohesion across our nation.
We thank Police Scotland for their continued engagement with and support for Jewish communities across Scotland at this extremely fraught juncture.
Last, we would once again urge all members of the community attending synagogues or other community premises to follow all instructions from police and security, and in particular not to congregate outside communal premises and to keep doors closed at all times.”
UK GOVERNMENT MUST END ARMS SALES & RECOGNISE PALESTINE
Gordon Macdonald MSP has echoed First Minister John Swinney’s powerful statement on Palestine, urging the UK Government to take immediate action and outlining the action that the SNP will take with the powers Scotland has.
The genocide in Palestine has already claimed more than 63,000 lives. Famine is spreading throughout a ruined Gaza. While the Palestinian flag was raised at St Andrew’s House the First Minister set out Scotland’s humanitarian response and demanded action from Starmer’s government.
First Minister @JohnSwinney reiterated his horror at genocide unfolding in Gaza.
He set out new economic, diplomatic and humanitarian measures in response to the Israeli government's actions, and called for the urgent recognition of Palestine.
The SNP is demanding that the Labour UK government:
Immediately recognise the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders.
End all arms sales to Israel and withdraw from the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement
Impose sanctions on members of the Israeli government complicit in war crimes and illegal settlements
Ban imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, following Ireland’s lead
Support international justice, including backing South Africa’s case at the ICJ and implementing ICC arrest warrants.
The actions that will be taken by the SNP Scottish Government include:
Trade and arms restrictions: New public funding will be paused for arms companies whose products are linked to states accused of genocide, including Israel. Any defence companies seeking support from the Scottish Government must prove that they are not supplying the Israeli military.
Medical support for children: Scotland will provide treatment for up to 20 injured children from Gaza, who will arrive with their families to Scotland from mid-September.
Support for students: working with universities to ensure Gazan students can attend Scottish universities if offered a place.
Justice and accountability: exploring how Scotland’s legal community, universities, and civil society can contribute to preserving evidence for international criminal cases.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Scotland will not stand by while genocide unfolds before our eyes. The SNP is ensuring that Scotland stands with Palestine by delivering real action.
“We’re sending humanitarian aid, treating injured children, supporting students, and halting public funding for companies linked to Israel’s war machine.”
“The Labour UK government must recognise the State of Palestine, end arms sales to Israel, and impose sanctions on Israeli war criminals. Anything less is a betrayal of international law and of basic human decency.
“The people of Scotland expect their leaders to speak out for justice and humanity. The SNP will always stand for peace, for dignity, and for a future where every life is valued equally.”
Support for defence companies involved in Israel halted
“In the face of genocide, there can be no ‘business as usual’” – First Minister
New awards of public money to defence companies involved with Israel will be halted, First Minister John Swinney announced yesterday as he set out a package of new economic, humanitarian and diplomatic measures in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
As the death toll in Gaza passes 63,000, the First Minister reiterated his concern at genocide unfolding in Gaza. He set out a package of measures including:
New awards of public money will be paused to defence companies whose products or services are provided to countries where there is plausible evidence of genocide being committed by that country, including Israel.
Instructing relevant delivery bodies such as Scottish Enterprise where possible to not provide support for trade between Scotland and Israel.
£400,000 to Kids Operating Room to establish the Gaza HOPES Field Readiness Hub – a rapidly deployable hospital in Gaza to provide essential surgical, maternity and paediatric services.
£600,000 to the UNOCHA led Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories to provide life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families.
Calling for the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, withdraw from the existing Free Trade Agreement with Israel, end all military cooperation with Israel while the war continues, and prohibit the import of goods produced in illegal settlements.
In light of Russia’s invasion of and continued war against Ukraine the Scottish Government will lift the restriction previously applied to the use of public support for the production of munitions.
This will not be available to companies which fail to demonstrate that their products are not involved militarily with Israel or other countries implicated in genocide.
The First Minister said: “The situation in Gaza is a man-made humanitarian catastrophe. We must confront this crisis with urgency, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to accountability.
“This Government has consistently and unequivocally condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. We have joined the international community in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“But I share the concerns of other countries and international leaders that a genocide appears to be unfolding in Gaza. The legal determination of genocide is the responsibility of international courts. But, governments must act now.
“Defending our country – defending our continent – is a duty of government.
“Anyone watching the ongoing war in Ukraine would, I hope, recognise the reality of the importance of defence. Indeed, the invasion shows we live in a world in which our national security faces much greater and more immediate threats.
“In recognition of that changed international landscape, the Scottish Government will lift the restriction we have applied on the use of support for the production of munitions.
“But, in the face of genocide, there can be no ‘business as usual’.
“We are instructing relevant delivery bodies where possible not to provide support facilitating trade between Scotland and Israel.
“We will pause new awards of public money to defence companies whose products or services are provided to countries where there is plausible evidence of genocide being committed by that country. That will include Israel.
“Any defence company seeking support from the Scottish Government will have to demonstrate that its products are not involved militarily with Israel.
“And Scotland will directly address humanitarian need. We have a long history of helping those in desperate need and we will not be found wanting now. I can announce today that we will provide £400,000 to establish the Gaza HOPES Field Readiness Hub in Scotland.
“We will also donate £600,000 to the UNOCHA led Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories which will provide life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families, ensuring aid reaches those most at risk.
“We have also committed to providing medical support for up to 20 injured children from Gaza and expect the first arrivals along with their families in mid-September.
“We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions. And yet, the bombs continue to fall.
“The world cannot wait for a final court ruling before acting. The signs are clear. The alarm has been raised.
“The bombs and rockets must stop. Humanitarian aid must flow.
“The international community, including the UK Government, must recognise a Palestinian state as the first step towards peace and a two-state solution. A solution where the peoples of both Israel and Palestine can live side-by-side in peace and security.
“Acknowledging that we are witnessing the signs of genocide brings with it a responsibility to act. The people of Scotland expect no less of us.
“Scotland will always raise her voice in favour of peace and humanity.”
Response to the Scottish First Minister John Swinney’s Parliamentary Statement on the Situation in Gaza of 3rd September 2025 from Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland
Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland, said: “It is disappointing that despite his warm and reassuring words when we met with him and Angus Roberston on Monday, the First Minister has chosen to express a position that we are concerned will undermine the safety, security and well-being of the Jewish community in Scotland.
“We set out our concerns in writing to the First Minister‘s office yesterday and will continue to engage with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders to safeguard our community’s welfare and future in Scotland.”
THE JEWISH COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND’S LETTER READS:
Letter from Jewish Council of Scotland to First Minister, in Response to Yesterday’sStatement
2nd September 2025
Dear First Minister,
Thank you for meeting representatives of the Jewish community in Scotland yesterday.
We welcome your stated commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.
You also indicated at our meeting that you planned to make an intervention tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd September, relating to your view that Israel is engaged in the commission of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
As recognised during our meeting, the language used in public discourse matters greatly. In consequence, those who lead our country and our community have an especially significant role in setting the tone of public debate, including ensuring that they use language carefully and responsibly.
In light of this shared recognition, it is important to us to bring to your attention our concerns about the implications of such a proposed intervention for us and our community.
It is indisputable that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. It is equally beyond debate that both Israel and Hamas bear responsibility for this tragic situation. For you to assert as First Minister of Scotland that Israel is engaged in a genocidal campaign against Palestinians, however, would, in our view, be irresponsible.
Ultimately, of course, only a competent court may determine whether and if so how the Genocide Convention may have been breached by Israel.
More seriously in local terms, however, while any position you or the Scottish Government might take on the matter is unlikely to have any impact on the situation in Gaza, it is likely to have significant negative implications for our community here in Scotland.
In particular, setting out a stance likely to be publicly perceived simply and without qualification as anti-Israel, without drawing any distinction between the state of Israel and its current leadership, or acknowledging the continuing culpability of Hamas, is likely to have a far greater and more immediate impact locally, fuelling “antizionist” – and antisemitic – hatred and discrimination against Scotland’s Jews and our institutions and symbols, than it is on the situation in the Middle East, let alone in Westminster.
Indeed, it would be a tragic irony were our communal institutions, including Scotland’s only Jewish primary school, required to upgrade security provision in consequence of interventions by the Scottish Government and its leadership.
Like you, the vast majority of Jews around the world are Zionists – supporters of the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in our ancestral homeland. Moreover, and again like you, our community and our institutions are committed to the realisation of a two-state solution, with a secure Israel existing alongside a viable Palestinian state.
Rather than risk increasing fear, anxiety, and trauma in our community, we would respectfully ask you to work with us to promote that vision in a principled, pragmatic, and constructive manner.
We thank you again for your engagement and for your continued commitment to the dignity and safety of all communities in Scotland.
Launched: Scotland’s Apartheid Free Zones Map 
Explore the map: www.apartheidfree.scot�
Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
