The first Scottish victim of the Hamas assault on Israel has been identified as Bernard Cowan. The grandfather, who grew up in the Glasgow area, settled in Israel with his wife and three children. Mr. Cowan was among more than 10 British citizens feared dead or missing following the attack that has resulted in over 700 deaths in Israel and 500 in Gaza. The family confirmed his death on social media and asked for privacy to deal with their loss.
The victim lived near the border with Gaza and had regularly returned to Glasgow, where he often stopped at a peace advocacy stall to update campaigners on the situation in the Middle East. Sammy Stein, chairman of Glasgow Friends of Israel, who knew Mr. Cowan said, “He was an incredible person who loved to live near the border, it was peaceful and in the country.” The news of Mr. Cowan’s death has been described as dreadful, difficult to comprehend, and accept.
Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has unequivocally condemned the attacks by Hamas and said his own in-laws are trapped in Gaza. Nathanel Young, 20, who was serving with the Israel Defense Forces, is the only other Briton confirmed dead, and it is understood that photographer Dan Darlington is thought to be dead by his family. The safety and wellbeing of all British nationals continue to be the topmost priority, according to a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson, who said they were assisting and in contact with the families of the individuals in Israel and the OPTs.
A mourning evening will be held on Monday at Giffnock Synagogue to remember Mr. Cowan. His death has shocked and saddened the Jewish community in Glasgow, where he will be sorely missed. Over the last few days, there has been an escalating exchange of rocket attacks between the two regions, with no sign of peace returning soon. The situation continues to be closely monitored by the global community
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