MSP Kenneth Gibson introduced a motion in Scottish Parliament recognizing, condemning and expressing concern over rising anti-Semitism in Scotland, as well as calling for firm action. FightHatred.com spoke to him about what can be done to improve the situation.
As FightHatred.com reported last month, reports of anti-Semitism in Scotland tripled in the previous year according to a study by the Institute for Global Jewish Affairs.
This study prompted Kenneth Gibson, the Member of Scottish Parliament for Cunninghame North for the Scottish National Party to introduce motion S3M-6305 "Rise in Anti-Semitism" to parliament. Its text reads:
S3M-6305 "Rise in Anti-Semitism"
That the Parliament expresses concern at the rising trend of anti-Semitic activity throughout 2009; acknowledges that the number of anti-Semitic incidents including extreme violence, assaults, damage and desecration of property, threats, abusive behaviour, including verbal abuse, and the disbursement of anti-Semitic literature almost doubled in the United Kingdom; recognises that a majority of the incidents were arbitrary and opportunistic in nature and notes that the number of politically motivated anti-Semitic incidents is also on the rise; believes that there is never an excuse for any type of hate crime, nor should they be accepted or tolerated, and considers anti-Semitic incidents to be counterproductive as a method of achieving political aims and not conducive to an overall peace solution in the Middle East.
The motion is attracting widespread support and Scottish Parliament sources expect it to pass shortly. After the motion was introduced, FightHatred.com asked Mr. Gibson a few questions.
FightHatred.com: What do you believe is the cause of the sudden rise in anti-Semitism in Scotland?
MSP Kenneth Gibson: There has been a significant rise in anti-Semitic attacks in Scotland with hate crimes tripling in one year. A study by Ephraim Borowski, Director of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and former head of the Philosophy Department at Glasgow University suggests that much of the significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents is associated with events in the Middle East. The study concludes that "Events in the Middle East, often accompanied by a popular conflagration of Israelis and Jews, have a habit of leading to outbreaks of anti-Semitic activity."
This is particularly depressing in Scotland, the only county in Europe never to have anti-Semitic laws.
It is important that we publicly condemns anti-Semitic attacks with as much vigour as it condemns attacks on any other minority group in Scotland.
FH: Have you heard reports of incidents of anti-Semitism in your own constituency?
KG: I have not heard reports of incidents of anti-Semitism in my own constituency which has a negligible number of Jewish residents and no discernable community.
FH: Then what made you decide to introduce Motion S3M-6305?
KG: I introduced motion S3M-6305 after discussion with representatives from the Jewish Community in Scotland. Such issues need to be brought into the open.
FH: What is currently being done to combat anti-Semitism in Scotland?
KG: Scotland has no history of overt anti-Semitism. However, figures show we cannot be complacent and must treat this issue seriously.
Combating anti-Semitism in Scotland is covered by legislation to prosecute those who carry out crimes based on discrimination of any kind. There is specific legislation dealing with the offences of incitement of racial hatred, racially-aggravated harassment and offences aggravated by religious prejudice.
The Scottish Government has made clear that any form of hate crime is to be condemned and deplored and has no place in a modern Scotland. It is important that those who are the victims of any kind of anti-Semitic attack report this to the police so that the full force of the law can be used against the offenders.
FH: What do you believe should be done to further diminish anti-Semitism in Scotland?
KG: Given the worrying increase in incidents, the Scottish Government should examine ways of raising awareness of this issue – perhaps launching a specific campaign. Teaching materials could be provided for schools to raise further awareness of this issue where appropriate. It is also important that those found guilty of such attacks are punished with the full force of the law and seen to be so. Also, the importance of reporting such incidents must be encouraged and treated sensitively by the authorities when they are reported.
Jewish people, indeed any minority that calls Scotland its home, should not suffer because of their religious or racial identity but enjoy the full equality and fair treatment that everyone should expect as their right.
