'Vote seeking' claim over MSP's security question

A Labour MSP in Glasgow has denied suggestions that he has exaggerated the threat of antisemitism in order to win Jewish votes.

Local leaders are furious over the action of Ken Macintosh - whose Eastwood constituency is six per cent Jewish - in submitting a question to the Scottish Parliament asking whether Scotland would follow the lead of the British government, which has pledged £2 million to improve security at Jewish schools. There is only one Jewish school in Scotland, Glasgow's Calderwood Lodge Primary.

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Masorti tribunal

An Employment Tribunal in Glasgow has given the green light to Warren Bader, a member of the Masorti movement, to pursue a case against the Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2004.

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Coffee keeps up Scottish spirits

Fifteen young people who cleared litter, cleaned headstones and weeded at Glasgow's Glenduffhill and Sandymount cemeteries were fortified by coffee provided by a local Starbucks, whose staff also helped with the clean-up.

Other young community members collected food from shoppers at Giffnock's two kosher delis for distribution to a project for the homeless and served tea to Scottish Jewish Care clients.

The activities were co-ordinated by UJIA youth worker Jared Ross.

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Garnethill backs down over minister's sacking

The council of Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow decided at a meeting on Wednesday night to withdraw the notice of termination issued to their minister, Aharon Soudry.

Support had been gathering for Mr Soudry, who was told in August that Garnethill would no longer be using his services due to "unacceptable behaviour".

Treasurer Bernard Goodman said: "He was given three months notice and that has allowed for a cooling off and reconsideration. We took into account the fact that the gentleman has been with us for 20 years and there's considerable support for him within the congregation."

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Interfaith relations strengthened in Scotland

The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities joined forces with the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II declaration, which opened the way for dialogue between Christians and Jews.

The anniversary was marked by a series of events featuring Rabbi David Rosen and Father John Pawlikowski, both former presidents of the International Council of Christians and Jews. Rabbi Rosen is also a former Chief Rabbi of Ireland and Israel.

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Maccabi Scotland celebrates its 40th

More than 250 people attended a reunion on Saturday night to celebrate Maccabi Scotland's 40th birthday.

The grand reunion attracted visitors from as far afield as Israel and France as well as from throughout the UK. The event was held in Maccabi Scotland's May Terrace premises and there were displays of archive materials. The first performance of the Maccabi School of Rock also took place at the event.

David Shenken, chair of the board, said: "The party was a success with all ages enjoying what we had on offer."

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Scots discuss minority issues

Representatives of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities have met the Scottish Labour Party leader to brief him on communal issues.

At the meeting with Iain Gray MSP, which was attended by SCoJeC representatives Ephraim Borowski and Leah Granat as well as Ken Macintosh MSP for East Renfrewshire, concerns were expressed about the effect of the trend towards localisation on minority communities in general.

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Glasgow goes global by streaming shul

Internet streaming has given Glasgow Reform Synagogue's High Holy Day services a global audience.

As part of its commitment to supporting members unable to attend services, Glasgow Reform started streaming internet broadcasts of its services more than a year ago. It has compiled a library of past services which can be listened to through the shul's website, www.grs.org.uk.

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