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Vocal criticisms were directed at First Minister John Swinney as he attended a vigil outside the Scottish Parliament to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks on Israel. Amidst the solemn gathering, members of the crowd shouted “shame on you” as Swinney expressed his solidarity with those who lost their lives during the series of attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel in 2023. Swinney, who had previously condemned Israel’s military response in Gaza as “genocide” and halted funding to arms companies supplying Israel, faced backlash from some attendees.
The event, organized by Glasgow Friends of Israel, the Jewish Council of Scotland, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, aimed to commemorate the hostages in Gaza and the victims of the 7 October attacks. Swinney’s address at the vigil triggered mixed reactions from the audience, with some expressing displeasure at his mention of supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state, viewed as detracting from the focus on remembering those killed by Hamas. According to Sammy Stein of Glasgow Friends of Israel, Swinney’s comments were deemed inappropriate for the occasion, diverting attention from the tragic losses in the Middle East.
The vigil coincided with the approaching anniversary of the 7 October attacks in 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. The subsequent military campaign by Israel in Gaza has led to further casualties and extensive damage. Despite the ongoing conflict and challenges in verifying information due to restricted media access, efforts to promote peace in the region persist. Notably, the vigil occurred shortly after a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, where Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced criticism during a memorial event for the victims.
In response to the backlash, a Scottish government spokesperson reiterated Swinney’s commitment to condemning violence against Jewish communities and honoring the memory of those lost in the attacks. Emphasizing the government’s stance against antisemitism, the spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure community safety in collaboration with law enforcement. The call for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and the pursuit of lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians underscored the government’s dedication to fostering a secure environment for all
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