John Swinney urges communities to stand together in condemnation of antisemitic violence

John Swinney has urged communities to unite in condemnation against the terrorist attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.   

The first minister said “more than ever” division and hatred of all forms, especially antisemitism, must be rejected, and communities must stand against people who seek to divide the country.   

His comments come in the wake of the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, in which two people, who have now been named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed, and another three people remain in hospital with serious injuries.   

The attacker was shot dead at the scene by Greater Manchester Police. The force has also confirmed that one of the victims killed was hit by police gunfire.   

Swinney said, “the violence inflicted upon the Jewish Community with the Heaton Park attack is utterly unimaginable”.  

Last night, the first minister joined the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation in private and expressed his horror at the attacks.   

Swinney reiterated his solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community and stressed there would be additional and dedicated Police Scotland patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues.  

He confirmed that he was also briefed by the UK security minister Dan Jarvis, and justice secretary Angela Constance has held further conversations with the chief constable of Police Scotland to ensure every necessary step is being taken to provide reassurance to Jewish communities.  

Flags have been lowered on Scottish Government buildings as an expression of solidarity.  

Swinney said: “I cannot stress enough my sympathy with those families and their friends who have lost their loved ones, and my solidarity with the Jewish community in Scotland and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  

“I know just what a distressing time this is for our Jewish communities, with fears and worry over the consequences of Heaton Park playing on their mind. I can assure our Jewish community that we will do everything necessary to ensure their continued safety, and additional security and policing is in place around synagogues and Jewish community venues.  

“When society is faced with unimaginable horror, we must take solace in the things that unite us. We must stand firm against those that seek to divide us. Now more than ever, division and all forms of hatred – especially evil antisemitism – must be rejected and I urge communities across Scotland to stand firm against those that seek to divide our country.”  

He added: “Scotland’s diversity and our inclusive outlook is one of our greatest strengths. It is a precious commodity which we must all work to cherish and maintain, especially at moments of strain.    

“In this spirit, I take great pride in the Drumlanrig Peace Accord, which was agreed in Scotland and marks a profound step forward in fostering mutual respect and understanding between Jewish and Muslim communities. Scotland stands ready to support efforts that build bridges, promote solidarity, and ensure that all our citizens can face challenges together in peace and unity.”