By
Stephanie Brickman
The Scottish-Islamic Foundation has offered to protect a synagogue which was damaged in an attack.
Its chairman Ken Imrie wrote to Rabbi David Rose of Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation to say the Foundation “would wish to physically guard the synagogue ourselves” if the Jewish community was unable to arrange suitable security.
The synagogue suffered £1,000 of damage, including smashed windows, last Thursday.
Mr Imrie wrote: “We wish you to know that the Muslim community stand full square with you in revulsion and horror at this vandalism. To violently damage any building is wrong. That this is a respected place of worship, faith and spirituality makes the crime even more heinous.
“The Koran specifically gives respect and status to synagogues as places where ‘God’s name is mentioned much’ and are protected by Him.”
Two men have denied criminal damage charges in connection with the incident.
Junaid Javed, 17, and Jhangir Khan, 22, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriffs’ Court last Friday. Mr Javed was released on bail and Mr Khan remanded in custody. They will reappear on April 8.