Criticism of SNP’s Stance on Israel
The brother of Bernard Cowan, a British-Israeli man killed by Hamas during the October 7 attack, has accused the Scottish National Party (SNP) of double standards regarding its stance on Israel. Bernard Cowan, originally from Glasgow, was killed by Hamas gunmen in his home on a kibbutz in southern Israel. He had moved to Israel at the age of 19.
Colin Cowan, Bernard’s brother, expressed disappointment with SNP First Minister Humza Yousaf’s response to the tragedy. Colin Cowan claimed that Yousaf’s gesture of comfort at a synagogue visit appeared insincere, accusing him of using the visit as a photo opportunity rather than demonstrating genuine support.
Response to External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson
Colin Cowan also criticized SNP External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson for apologizing after meeting with an Israeli diplomat earlier this month. Robertson’s meeting with the Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the UK, Daniela Grudsky, led to significant backlash, including from within the SNP. Robertson later apologized, stating that the meeting had not been “strictly limited” to ceasefire discussions.
Robertson declared that the Scottish government would not accept further meetings with Israeli diplomats until there was “real progress” towards peace and compliance with international obligations regarding genocide and war crimes investigations.
SNP’s Position and Allegations of Antisemitism
In response to the criticism, an SNP spokesperson asserted that the party stands firmly against antisemitism. They confirmed that the First Minister would be willing to meet with Colin Cowan and his family. The SNP’s official position remains that a ceasefire must be implemented, hostages released, and a viable Palestinian state recognized within a two-state solution.
Colin Cowan expressed concerns that the SNP’s actions against Israel contrasted sharply with their engagement with other countries, such as Turkey, which have been criticized for human rights violations. He questioned whether the Scottish government’s reluctance to engage with Israel was indicative of prejudice against Jewish people.
Yousaf’s Statements and Reactions
At a service held on October 12 at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, where Yousaf had met Bernard Cowan’s grieving mother, the First Minister had expressed solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community. He stated that he shared the pain of Jewish communities and condemned the Israeli military actions in Gaza as “tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”
Yousaf defended his stance, emphasizing that criticism of the Israeli government’s actions does not equate to antisemitism. He asserted that while diplomacy is crucial, it must be limited by the need to uphold international laws and prevent civilian casualties.
Impact on Scottish Jewish Community
Colin Cowan highlighted a rise in antisemitism in Scotland since the escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza following the October 7 attacks. He reported feeling unsafe and noted an increase in attacks against Jewish individuals and properties. Cowan described the impact of the violence on his family, including the displacement of relatives in Israel.
He criticized the SNP’s response as inadequate, stating that the party’s policies and public statements had not sufficiently addressed the concerns of Scotland’s Jewish community or acknowledged the impact of the violence on individuals like himself.
SNP’s Stance on the Conflict
The SNP spokesperson reiterated the party’s commitment to a balanced approach, emphasizing that their policies advocate for both the security of Israel and the recognition of Palestinian statehood. They stressed that the SNP’s stance has consistently supported an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, while also endorsing a peaceful resolution that allows Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully.
The ongoing debate reflects broader discussions about the Scottish government’s approach to international conflicts and its impact on domestic communities.
