First Minister said:
“I have been deeply moved by the continued commitment of the
Jewish community to inter-faith dialogue, which is needed now
more than ever. Having grown up in an area of Scotland with a
large Jewish community, I have many friends and a deep
understanding of the challenges they face therefore I was
honoured to be asked to participate in the online discussion with
Yachad.
“Sharing my experience of the time my in-laws were trapped in
Gaza is never easy but I feel it is important to continue to do
so until a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict is found.
“The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned the abhorrent
terrorist actions of Hamas and called for all hostages to be
released immediately and unconditionally and an immediate
and permanent ceasefire by all sides. Until that is achieved,
humanitarian and medical facilities must be protected, and
civilians given unrestricted access to the basic necessities of
life, wherever they are.
“We continue to support the UK and EU positions of a two-state
solution that respects the human rights of everyone in the region
to ensure that a secure Israel can live peacefully alongside a
viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Only through such an
outcome can the cycle of violence that is killing and injuring so
many innocent civilians be ended.
“Jewish people, as with those of all faiths, must have the
freedom and confidence to proudly and publicly express their
identity without repercussion and we stand with Jewish families
in Scotland and in Israel. Everyone - but especially those in
power – must work together to stand against anti-semitism, and
continue to protect cohesive communities in Scotland and beyond,
so we can all live in peace.”
Background
Webinar Registration - Zoom
