Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign launches Apartheid-Free Zones Map

🚨 Launched: Scotland’s Apartheid Free Zones Map 🚨

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.”

#ApartheidFreeZones

#ApartheidFreeScotland

#SolidarityWithPalestine

#BDS

#EndIsraeliApartheid

Sir Geoff Palmer OBE KT

With a heavy heart, we share the sad news of the passing of our dear honorary patron and ELREC’s longest serving member, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, OBE KT.

A man of immense wisdom, dignity, and unwavering integrity, Sir Geoff’s life was a powerful testament to resilience, courage and a commitment to justice.

His contributions to science, education, and the ongoing fight for racial equality have left an indelible mark on the world.

Beyond his remarkable achievements, Sir Geoff will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and the way he inspired generations to think critically and act compassionately. His voice was one of clarity in challenging times, and his legacy will continue to guide and uplift us.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace, and may we honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately championed.

Gone, but will never be forgotten ❤️

ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council)

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:I was deeply saddened to learn of Sir Geoff Palmer’s passing. A tireless advocate for equality and a pioneering academic, Sir Geoff was a true inspiration and will leave a lasting impression on Edinburgh.

“In 2022 I was honoured to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond.

His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.

“In chairing the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Sir Geoff made a vital contribution to recognising and profiling the Capital’s links with Slavery and Colonialism in the public realm.

“I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations. He will be dearly missed – my thoughts are with his friends, family and all those who knew him.”

Celebrate Africa at Craigroyston

Celebrating_Africa_Event_Poster

We are pleased to invite you to the CELEBRATING AFRICA event on Saturday 21 June at Craigroyston Community High School on Pennywell Road.

The event aims to provide a unique opportunity showcasing African heritage and culture by the African community groups who live/ work across Edinburgh & the Lothians. Themes for the event are participation, heritage, culture and sports.

There will be live African music, dance, cultural performances, stalls, workshops and children activities at the event. Popular traditional food will be cooked on site and served by members of the African community groups.

As Scotland hosts the Glasgow 2014, we are proud to welcome participating African nations and celebrate their heritage. The event is supported by the Big Lottery – Celebrate fund. Please find about stall booking & for interested community groups and volunteers who wish to participate at http://elrecafricacelebration.wordpress.com/ .

This is a free event but places are limited. If you wish to attend the event please register online at:

http://celebratingafrica2014.eventbrite.co.uk 

For more information about the event please contact Mizan Rahman e-mail: mrahman@elrec.org.uk or call 0131 556 0441.

We very much look forward to welcoming you at this celebration.

Mona Adhikari

Manager, Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council

Tel: 0131 556 0441 | Fax: 0131 556 8577 | email: MAdhikari@elrec.org.uk | www.elrec.org.uk

CraigroystonHS

CORE to close

The Pilton-based Community Organisation for Racial Equality (CORE) is to close. Formerly the BCDP (Black Community Development Project), the project which grew out of the Muirhouse Anti-Racism campaign of the early 1990s will be formally wound up at an extraordinary general meeting in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre on 29 August.

At it’s height CORE was one of the most influential community-led equality organisations in the country – growing from humble beginnings in a room in Craigroyston HIgh School to staging prestigious conferences in Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre – but funding issues and financial struggles over recent years has forced directors to seek closure of the organisation.

Chairperson Dr Fernando Almeira Diniz confirmed that CORE has been experiencing financial problems for some months, but said that the Board will not be making any statements at this stage. “I am sure that you will see that  we cannot do anything which could be regarded as pre-empting what might happen  at the EGM”, he said.

CORE’s EGM will be held at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre on Wednesday 29 August at 6pm. Following the formal business procedures it’s planned to have a general discussion – ‘an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of CORE /BCDP, followed by a Community-led discussion about ways of engaging BME Communities in developing future provision of public services in North Edinburgh.’

For further information, or if you plan to attend, please contact Adil Ibrahim at CORE, email adil@coregb.org.uk by 25 August.

Happier times: Director Tesfu Gessesse addresses CORE’s 2007 AGM