5 June 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met Ephraim Borowski and Nicola Livingston from the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities at Bute House.

The meeting – the first formal discussions since the First Minister took office – covered a range of issues including the outcome of the recent election and how to tackle anti-Semitism.

The First Minister listened to the concerns raised by the Jewish community about a rise in anti-Semitic incidents and made it clear that all such incidents are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Scotland.

During the talks, the First Minister agreed to address a future public meeting in the Jewish community and indicated she would be delighted to undertake a visit to a synagogue.

The First Minister also reaffirmed her support for Israel and Palestine to live peacefully and securely side by side.

The First Minister said:

I was delighted to meet with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities to hear their views on the experiences and issues of concern to Jewish communities in Scotland. I look forward to greater engagement with members of the Jewish community in the near future as we work together to eradicate anti-Semitism and intolerance in this country.”

SCoJeC Director Ephraim Borowski said:

We are very grateful to the First Minister for giving us so much of her time, and are reassured by her desire to engage personally with the Community and address their concerns at first hand. We look forward to working with her and her Government to make sure that Scotland is a place where Jewish people can feel welcome and at home, and above all safe and secure.”

You can read more about SCoJeC, including a full report of the meeting, here.