First Minister John Swinney has marked the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks by calling for unity, compassion, and long-lasting peace in the Middle East.
His statement comes as people around the world pause to remember the lives lost during the attacks in Israel and the devastating violence that has continued in the region since.
Mr Swinney said the anniversary would be especially painful for Scotland’s Jewish communities, following the recent attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
He described 7 October as the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust, and warned that rising tension and violence must not be allowed to divide communities in Scotland or elsewhere.
“As we mark the second anniversary of the heinous attacks, we must always remember that 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust,” he said.
“Our Jewish communities remain extremely traumatised by these attacks and the events that have followed and I know that this year will be even more emotionally distressing after the horrific attack carried out at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.”
“It was an attack made all the more cruel for being perpetrated on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, and my thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and with Jewish communities across the United Kingdom.”
Mr Swinney called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and for the release of all hostages being held since the attacks.
He said peace, not vengeance, must be the focus of international efforts moving forward.
“As we mourn all those who have lost their lives since 7 October, we must stand united in defiance of violent division,” he said.
“We must respond to the devastating conflict occurring across the Middle East by showing that long-lasting peace is the only solution.”
“We must see an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“It is the only way to stop death and displacement, violence and fear, unrest and division.”
He added that Israelis and Palestinians must be able to live safely, side by side, in peace and security.
The First Minister also urged people to resist hate in all forms, and to ensure that events overseas do not fuel division at home.
“Events in the Middle East cannot ever justify antisemitism, prejudice or any acts of violence,” he said.
“All of Scotland’s communities must feel safe and protected.”
“Scotland’s diversity and our inclusive outlook is one of our greatest strengths.
“All of our communities are equally integral, valued and permanent parts of our national life, their members are our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues.”
“In remembering all those who lost their lives on 7 October and since, we do so in equal condemnation of all forms of terror and violence.”
