Adobe StockLeaders of Scotland’s Jewish community have said they fear being victims of an attack like the one at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Fifteen people are confirmed to have died after the shooting in Australia over the weekend.
Those who were killed had been at an event celebrating the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Among those who lost their lives were an eighty-seven-year-old holocaust survivor and a ten-year-old girl.
First Minister John Swinney called the attack an “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” that “cruelly marred” the first day of Hannukkah.
Sammy Stein, chair of Glasgow’s Friends of Israel group, said local Jewish communities are “very, very afraid”.
“Whenever there is a festival where Jewish people get together, whether it’s in a synagogue, whether it’s in a hall, or whether it’s in this case on a beach, there is an attraction for people to come and do them harm, and that’s what happened yesterday,” Mr Stein told STV News.
“Over the next few months, there’s going to be quite a number of Jewish holidays, and my fear is that this could happen again.”
He added: “I’m very concerned because we don’t know who is hiding out there planning to do something like this. It’s not just for other places – it’s for us to worry about too.”
STV NewsAustralian police say a 54-year-old man and his son, 24, were behind the shooting and have been named in local media as Sajid and Naveed Akram.
Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene while his son was taken to hospital after being disarmed by 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed.
Naveed Akram is expected to survive his injuries and face charges.
The Jewish Council of Scotland has said the attack in Australia is a “dreadful” reminder of the risks facing the community.
“It is intolerable that in the current climate of antisemitism Jews cannot gather publicly or celebrate religious festivals in any part of the world without fear of attack,” the Scottish representative body said.
“The news from Sydney today is also a dreadful reminder of the risks facing our Jewish community here in Scotland. There must be no place for anti-Jewish hate – in any guise – anywhere in Scotland.
“We will not be deterred by antisemitism or acts of terror, and we will celebrate Chanukah throughout Scotland.”
The First Minister has said the Scottish Government is engaging with police to ensure the safety of Jews in Scotland, and over the weekend, Police Scotland increased patrols at Jewish events and synagogues.
STV News“I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah,” Swinney said.
“What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.
“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack. In this moment of darkness and pain, the Scottish Government stands firmly against any and all forms of antisemitism – an evil which has absolutely no place in our society and which we must confront.”
The First Minister continued: “I also want to assure our Jewish communities that the Scottish Government is in very close contact with Police Scotland, and other relevant partners, to put in place the appropriate measures to ensure safety around places of worship at this time.
“I am dedicated to ensuring that our Jewish communities here in Scotland feel safe and supported and able to live free from fear.”
“The world needs acts of goodness, kindness, and light at this time more than ever. We condemn the appalling acts of violence perpetrated in Australia over the weekend, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities as they come together to celebrate Chanukah.”
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