Scotland: we must fight hate too

Ken Macintosh, Labour MSP for Eastwood, a constituency in Glasgow with a sizeable Jewish community, has criticised the Scottish Parliament for taking a passive stance on antisemitism.

In particular, Mr Macintosh said he was concerned that there was no Scottish representation on the cross-government working group on antisemitism.

He said: "I would like to see us represented on the group, or at the very least to comment on its findings. It's a national initiative, so why don't we participate?"

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Shipman bill could lead to burial delays

The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) has asked the Scottish Parliament to make adjustments to a bill that could lead to distressing delays to burials.

The Certification of Death Bill is intended to tighten up existing procedures to ensure that crimes like those of Harold Shipman, the GP who murdered 15 elderly patients, are spotted sooner.

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Guilty plea to racist hate on Scotsman site

A man has appeared for sentencing at Edinburgh's Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to posting antisemitic comments on the website of the Scotsman newspaper.

Mohammed Sandia, 45, who lives in Wembley, north west London, and draws incapacity benefit, posted comments referring to Jews as a "genetically mutated inbred tribe. Jews are not fit to breathe our air and should be attacked wherever we see them."

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Scotsman hate case man pleads guilty

A man has pleaded guilty to distributing threatening and insulting antisemitic material through the website of The Scotsman newspaper.

Mohammed Sandia, 45, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Michael O'Grady called for a community service report before sentencing next month. Mr Sandia was released on bail.

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BAE Systems stall row in Edinburgh University

A group of student demonstrators failed to shut down a careers fair at Edinburgh University last week. The group of 12 assembled in front of a stall run by BAE Systems, a company that develops defence and security systems and employs 100,000 people.

The group, calling themselves Students for Justice in Palestine, yelled slogans including "Israel kills, BAE sells", before pretending to be dead in front of the stall. Police were called and the group was dispersed peacefully.

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Young Scots make movie

In association with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, the new Young Scot project is to produce an educational film about Jewish life and tradition.

A core group of 16-25-year-olds met in Edinburgh to discuss the venture. The plan is to use focus groups and questionnaires to gauge the perception of Judaism among young Scottish non-Jews and produce a film for schools and youth groups which delivers a positive message.

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Appealing Scots seek £70k for welfare

Jewish Care Scotland hopes to raise £70,000 from its annual appeal to enable it "to continue to provide the services that the community wants and needs". Thousands of leaflets are being mailed to supporters and board members will make personal appeals in Glasgow shuls over the festival period.

A charity representative said: "This year is going to be particularly tough with the economic climate, a growing ageing population and a shrinking community. However last year's targets were held and services maintained."

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Festival stars' shul show

Singer songwriter Dean Friedman and award winning actor Jack Klaff were among the star attractions as Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation threw open its doors to Fringe Festival performers and visitors on Sunday.

Klaff performed a scene from his hit show Jack the Knife. Friedman played three numbers, including his worldwide smash Lydia and the lesser known A Million Matzah Balls. It had been "a pleasure to play for an audience that felt instantly familiar", he said.

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