Party leaders have welcomed this year’s Jewish Manifesto for Scotland and its ‘Ten Commitments’ ahead of Holyrood elections this coming Thursday.
The Jewish Manifesto for Scotland was produced by the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC), the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council and covers such issues such as countering antisemitism, education, relations with Israel and preparations for the COP26 environmental summit.
The Ten Commitments included pledges on implementing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in policies and practices, provision of faith-sensitive public services, opposing boycotts of Israel and ensuring that young people understand the diverse society they live in.
The Jewish Manifesto for Scotland can be read here.
First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to endorse the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland. I commit to doing whatever I can to make sure the Jewish the Jewish community in Scotland will always feel welcome and valued.”
Conservative Leader Douglas Ross said: “I want to wholeheartedly welcome the manifesto. We are totally committed to standing up for the rights of Scotland’s Jewish community. The Scottish Conservatives support the Ten Commitments outlined in this Manifesto.”
Labour Leader Annas Sarwar said: “This is an important and significant document and I am happy to show Scottish Labour’s support for the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland. I have always appreciated my close collaboration with Scotland’s Jewish Community in fighting prejudice and hate in all its forms.”
Liberal Democrat Leader William Rennie said: “The Scottish Liberal Democrats endorse the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland. We stand side by side with the community, to ensure these commitments are advanced in the next five years of the Scottish Parliament.”