GJRC News Archive
AN EVENING WITH JEWISH CHRONICLE EDITOR JAKE WALLIS SIMONS
5 February, 2024
The Jewish Chronicle editor Jake Wallis Simons was the guest speaker at an event held by Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, in conjunction with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, held in the Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue hall on Monday, 5 February.
There was a large turnout for the event, chaired by GJRC President Tim Lovat and with the vote of thanks by SCoJeC Chair Nicola Livingston. The meeting was supported by the Netherlee and Clarkston Charitable Trust and the Community Trust.
The Jewish Chronicle editor Jake Wallis Simons was the guest speaker at an event held by Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, in conjunction with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, held in the Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue hall on Monday, 5 February.
There was a large turnout for the event, chaired by GJRC President Tim Lovat and with the vote of thanks by SCoJeC Chair Nicola Livingston. The meeting was supported by the Netherlee and Clarkston Charitable Trust and the Community Trust.
PRESIDENT’S DIARY
31 January, 2024
It has been an extremely busy month for our President, Timothy Lovat, with him attending a large number of events and meetings on behalf of the community. These have included a meeting with new Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell, attending a Vigil outside the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to mark 100 days in captivity of the Israeli hostages, and a service at Glasgow Cathedral.
The President also attended the 24th Annual University of Glasgow Holocaust Memorial lecture, a performance of the play Kindertransport at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, and was present at this year’s West Dunbartonshire Council Holocaust Memorial Day flag-raising ceremony and a South Lanarkshire Holocaust Memorial Day event.
EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY EVENT
31 January, 2024
East Renfrewshire Council hosted this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event on Monday 22 January, with assistance from GJRC administrator Evy Yedd. The community was represented by GJRC President Timothy Lovat.
The event, held at the Calderwood Lodge and St Clare’s Primary School joint campus, was an evening of music and stories which highlighted the true horror of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
As well as moving music performances by East Renfrewshire school pupils, Geraldine Shenkin told her mother’s harrowing story. Marianne Grant survived the Holocaust after being imprisoned in three successive concentration camps, including Auschwitz, before moving to Glasgow and then settling in to a new life in Newton Mearns. She was awarded the freedom of East Renfrewshire in 2003 in recognition of her efforts to raise Holocaust awareness.
Pupils from St Ninian’s and Mearns Castle High Schools spoke of their learnings through the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Anne Frank Trust. Other participants included Scotland’s senior minister Rabbi Moshe Rubin and Rwandan poet Kaela-Kaliza Molina.
East Renfrewshire Provost, Councillor Mary Montague, who welcomed everyone at the memorial said: “East Renfrewshire is home to Scotland’s largest Jewish population and we enjoy a wonderful relationship with the Jewish community, so marking Holocaust Memorial Day every year is something extremely important to us all. Listening to Geraldine talk of the trauma experienced by Marianne Grant was truly harrowing but it is only right that we listen and never forget what they went through. I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Marianne and admired her talent, humility and warmth of personality.”
THE 2023 ANNUAL AJEX REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY MARCH, WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AND MEMORIAL SERVICE
16 November, 2023
The annual Glasgow Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women Remembrance Sunday commemorations took place on Sunday, 12 November, 2023
The AJEX event, organised by Glasgow Jewish Representative Council administrator Evy Yedd, was led by local brigade commander Monty Cowen who, together with GJRC treasurer Barry Berlow-Jackson, laid wreaths at the Newton Mearns war memorial. Those marching with the AJEX contingent included Scotland’s senior minister Rabbi Moshe Rubin, East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald, local area police commander Chief Inspector Graeme Gallie and standard bearers from the 5th Giffnock Guides.
At the shul service afterwards, held for the first time in Giffnock Newton Mearns Shul, Rabbi Rubin gave the Memorial Address to an audience that included East Renfrewshire Provost Mary Montague, Kirsten Oswald and Renfrewshire Deputy Lieutenant Philip Rodney.
Rabbi Rubin spoke of the values soldiers stood for – freedom of religion, civil liberties, dignity for all, decency, respect and rights for all.
Evy Yedd read out the lists of Glasgow Jewry killed in action, as well as Canadian and Polish servicemen who died in active service and are buried in Glenduffhill Cemetery. Rabbi Rubin recited El Mole Rachamim, Monty Cowen recited Kaddish and SCoJeC treasurer Philip Mendelsohn gave the oration. Bugler Robin Thompson played the last post and reveille.
At the kiddush afterwards, Barry Berlow-Jackson said: “Remembrance Sunday is a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
“I have not sacrificed anything for my freedom. It was given to me, by those who came before me and sacrificed so much. So now, it is my responsibility to never forget them.”
DROP IN SUPPORT GROUPS
22 October, 2023
TO JEWISH PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND
18 October, 2023
SERVICE OF SOLIDARITY
15 October, 2023
As tragic events continue to unfold in Israel, SCoJeC and the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council held a Service of Solidarity in Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue on Thursday, 12 October. More than 500 members of the community, parliamentarians, civic and faith leaders, and guests joined together to reflect on the events of the last week when we saw innocent civilians in Israel subject to a barbaric attack by Hamas. Innocent men, women, and children have been indiscriminately murdered and many have been have taken hostage including old people, Holocaust survivors, and young children.
Rep Council President Timothy Lovat opened the service by stating powerfully that “Israel may be our homeland, but Scotland is our home. Let’s live and pray together in peace and harmony today, tomorrow, and forever”. He then invited the mother of the late Bernard Cowan, who was murdered in Israel the previous Saturday, to light a memorial candle in memory of her son who was born in Glasgow.
The senior rabbi in Scotland, Rabbi Moshe Rubin of Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, gave a moving address, sharing how difficult the previous days had been since he led the congregation over Simchat Torah. He talked of his own reflections of the events in Israel and shared his hope that the community across Scotland continue to take comfort from one another.
View the full report here.
WE, AS A COMMUNITY, STAND WITH ISRAEL.
09 October, 2023
The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council are horrified by the barbaric attack by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israel. Hamas terrorists have indiscriminately murdered innocent men, women, and children, and have taken hostage old people, including Holocaust survivors, and young children. Nothing can justify such acts – nothing.
The vast majority of Jewish people in Scotland have friends and family in Israel, and our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected. We sadly already know of a number of families in our community who have lost loved ones, and tragically there may well be more.
In Scotland, unfortunately, we know that when conflict escalates in the Middle East, we see antisemitism rise in the UK. We thank the CST and Police Scotland for their ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.
We thank the First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP for his comments today unequivocally condemning the actions of Hamas. As he acknowledged, although we have family on opposite sides of the border, we are equally concerned for their safety.
Let us all hope and pray for a speedy resolution to this conflict, an end to terrorism and extremism, and a peaceful future for all.
We encourage anyone who would like to reach out to us, or requires support, to do so by getting in touch with either of our offices, and if anyone suffers or is aware of any racist or antisemitic incidents, please inform the police, CST, and SCoJeC with as much detail as possible.
PRESIDENT’S DIARY – Timothy Lovat attended the Jewish Care Scotland Welcome Wednesday discussion session.
23 August, 2023
Timothy was part of a discussion panel with Association of Jewish Refugees social worker Myrna Bernard, Scottish Jewish Archives Centre Curator Deborah Haase and Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue Chairman Michael Goodman.
Asked about antisemitism and security in the community, the President advised that the Rep Council works very closely with Police Scotland and the CST and that there had been no warnings of imminent threats. He also spoke about the excellent relationships between the Jewish and other faith communities in Glasgow, which would be helpful if there was another flare-up in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians.
PRESIDENT’S DIARY – The President, Timothy Lovat attended a Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, 7 May, 2023 at Glasgow Cathedral, to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Attending with his wife Claire, he gave a reading from the Book of Kings.
GLASGOW JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL YOM HASHOAH EVENT 2023
18 April, 2023
The Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue Hall was packed on Tuesday, 18 April for this year’s GJRC Yom Hashoah event. The guest speaker was Australian journalist and author Peter Grose who spoke about his book A Good Place to Hide which detailed how a French village took in and saved thousands of Jews and got them to safety, without being caught.
Peter Grose told the audience: “Le Chambon-sur-Lignon is a village in Eastern France. It was 95% populated by Protestants and perhaps because of its Huguenot background, they too know what persecution was all about. They helped the Jews, including a great many children who had been in internment camps, knowing that if they got caught the penalty was death, but none of them got caught.
Guests were welcomed by GJRC Yom Hashoah committee Chair Agnes Isaacs.
View full story here.
PESACH MESSAGE FROM BOARD OF DEPUTIES OF BRITISH JEWS PRESIDENT MARIE VAN DER ZYL
10 March, 2023
At Pesach, we celebrate the freedom of the Jewish people. It is a joyous festival but it is also the time of year when we recall the suffering of our ancestors and how they fought against and triumphed over adversity.
This year, the cost-of-living crisis means many of us are experiencing real financial hardship. However, as our experience over thousands of years demonstrates, being part of a community means that no one has to suffer alone. We showed through the pandemic that we are stronger together and we can help each other now too, at home and abroad.
For the past year we have witnessed the awful trauma of Ukrainians who have been forced to defend their country from Russian aggression. We at the Board of Deputies have supported the wonderful efforts of World Jewish Relief to help those who are suffering. We have worked hard to coordinate the available resources from the Jewish community to help Ukrainians in the most effective ways. Sadly, a new humanitarian tragedy has also hit Turkey and Syria in the form of a massive earthquake. Again, we support community efforts to help those most in need.
View full message here.
PRESIDENT’S DIARY – The President, Timothy Lovat attended Glasgow City Council Forum of Faiths meeting on Thursday, 2 March, 2023
THE JEWISH BLIND SOCIETY (SCOTLAND) IS LOOKING TO SUPPORT MORE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY
1 March, 2023
The Jewish Blind Society (Scotland) offer support to people including grants to improve their quality of life.
Originally established to provide care, entertainment and outings for members of the Jewish community with visual impairments, the Society has broadened its scope thanks to a welcome reduction in the number of clients with severe visual impairment. JBS (Scotland) now financially supports Jewish Care Scotland, The Respite Fund and Chai Cancer Care in Scotland to deliver their services to those in need.
The Jewish Blind Society (Scotland) is working closely with Jewish Care Scotland to ensure that people who are eligible for financial support are aware of the grants available by creating strong referral pathways for JCS clients to apply.
Chairman of JBS (Scotland) Jonathan Lewis said: “We are delighted to support and work with Jewish Care Scotland and Chai Cancer Care in Scotland to reach those who need our assistance. We are keen to reach more people, who might not be involved with any other organisation, who have a real need that we could meet. “
Requests for support can be made directly by calling 0141 620 3339 or emailing [email protected]. All enquiries are treated with discretion and respect.
REP COUNCIL YOM HASHOAH EVENT GUEST SPEAKER ANNOUNCED
27 February, 2023
REP COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY AND RISING ANTISEMITISM REFLECTIONS
07 February, 2023
GJRC President Timothy Lovat attended several Holocaust Memorial Day events, as did other Board and staff members. Here are his reflections on rising antisemitism in the context of HMD.
Nearly 80 years after the end of World War Two, it would appear the lessons the world should have learned from the Holocaust are largely being ignored in this country.
The constant rise in antisemitism has prompted a billboard campaign to tell the public that Jews are 500% more likely to suffer hate crime than any other faith group.
Yes constant rise.
In 2016 a Home Office report stated: “it is alarming that recent surveys show that as many as one in 20 adults in the UK could be characterised as clearly antisemitic.
“The stark increase in potentially antisemitic views between 2014 and 2015 is a trend that will concern many.
“There is a real risk that the UK is moving in the wrong direction on antisemitism, in contrast to many other countries in Western Europe. Read the full report here.
NEWTON MEARNS SYNAGOGUE FAREWELL SERVICE, RECEPTION AND DINNER
22 January, 2023
A special day of events was held to bid farewell to Newton Mearns Synagogue on Sunday, 22 January. The events began with a Mincha service, led by Eddie Binnie and the Glasgow Jewish Singers, during which past Chairman David Links gave a history of the Shul and Scotland’s senior minister Rabbi Moshe Rubin spoke of congregants taking their memories with them to their new home in Giffnock as part of the Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue congregation. Read the full story here.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS 2023
12 January, 2023
University of Glasgow Annual Holocaust Lecture – Thursday 19 January, 2023
Professor Shirli Gilbert of UCL will speak on ‘Music on the Brink of Destruction’.
An extraordinary range of musical activities, both forced and voluntary, took place in the Nazi ghettos and camps, from the earliest internment centres established in 1933 until the liberation in 1945. The musical works created there by prisoners are extraordinary documents from the time. In this talk, Professor Shirli Gilbert will present original songs from this period, including some rare post-war recordings. The songs offer rich insight into victims’ experiences, conveying the uncertain and shifting perspectives of prisoner communities as they made sense of lived reality.
Refreshments Served: 6pm
Lecture start time: 7pm
Lecture end time: 8pm
Attendees can take part in the lecture both online or in person, choose your ticket type on our registration page here.
Scotland’s National Online Holocaust Memorial Day Programme – Friday, 27 January, 2023 – 10am
You are invited by the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and the Scottish Government to register for the official National Holocaust Memorial Day Online Event for Scotland.
You are invited to register to view the online programme which will be available from 10am on the 27th of January 2023 on the Edinburgh Interfaith Youtube Channel. Shortly after you register the link will be emailed to you where you can access the programme.
In the programme we pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and attempt to learn the lessons from humanity’s dark past. The programme will include contributions from Holocaust survivor Henry Wuga, Bosnian genocide survivor Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Christina McKelvie Minister for Equalities and Older People, and students from Graeme High School’s, ‘Mentoring in Violence Prevention’ programme.
Reserve a place here.
FESTIVAL GREETINGS
16 December, 2022
The President, Board and Staff Members of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council wish the Community Chag Chanukah Sameach and a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2023.
AJEX REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY MARCH, WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AND SHUL SERVICE
13 November, 2022
Rep Council President Tim Lovat spoke of the debt he owed to all those who served in the World Wars, after a Remembrance Sunday Service held in the Giffnock Newton Mearns synagogue in Newton Mearns on Sunday, 13 November.
The AJEX event, organised by Rep Council administrator Evy Yedd, was led by local brigade commander Monty Cowen who, together with Timothy Lovat, laid wreaths at the Newton Mearns war memorial. Those present included Rep Council Past Presidents Evy Yedd, Paul Morron, Philip Mendelsohn and Harvey Livingston and a group from the 5th Giffnock Guides.
At the shul service afterwards, Scotland’s senior rabbi Moshe Rubin gave the Memorial Address to an audience that included East Renfrewshire Provost Mary Montague, ER MP Kirsten Oswald and Renfrewshire Deputy Lieutenant Ken Ross OBE.
Read the full report here.
REP COUNCIL PRESIDENT ATTENDS ABRAHAM ACCORDS LONDON CELEBRATION
10 November, 2022
Scotland’s Jewish community was represented by Timothy Lovat at a major diplomatic reception to celebrate the second anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords.
The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council President was a guest at the event, in central London, which honoured the historic agreement between Israel, UAE, Morocco and Bahrain.
It was addressed by Rishi Sunak, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Abraham Accords “and all they represent”.
The PM told the audience of 250 Parliamentary, Diplomatic and Interfaith representatives: “Today we send a clear message about our commitment to the Accords and all they represent.
“The Accords have kickstarted a new era of relations in trade, tourism, security and more.
“This would have been impossible just a few years ago, but it does show how we can transform peace and stability in the region.
“The UK is committed to working with you all to take this initiative from strength to strength.”
The reception was organised by UK Abraham Accords Group, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and ELNET UK.
Afterwards Tim Lovat said: “I had been invited to the embassy to discuss ways of celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence next year.
“The ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely, wants to include Scotland in the arrangements and I looked at several ideas with her staff.
“After the meeting I was given a tour of the highly-impressive embassy building and then it was on to the Abraham Accords reception.
“I felt very honoured to be invited as a representative of Scottish Jewry and I know the very good relations the Rep Council has enjoyed with Board of Deputies will have been strengthened as a result.”
The reception was attended by the four Ambassadors of the Abraham Accords Countries.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR NEW WARM SPACES PROJECT
10 November, 2022
In response to the ongoing cost of living crisis and increasing prices, Cosgrove Care and Jewish Care Scotland are working together to launch Warm Spaces. Each Sunday they will open the doors of the Walton Community Care Centre to members of the community who are in need of somewhere warm to spend the afternoon, something to eat, or simply looking for company. We plan to offer each attendee a bag of essential items for their cupboard at the end of each session too, and we are looking for donations to support this. We are asking for donations of essential bathroom, cleaning items or gift vouchers that can be donated to those who are impacted by the ongoing financial crisis
MITZVAH DAY – REQUEST FOR DONATIONS
26 October, 2022
The Matana Club is holding a collection drive for Mitzvah Day this year, as well as inviting children in P4-P7 and their families to come and volunteer with them. While the volunteering is for children and their families, the entire community can contribute to the mitzvah by donating clothes, household goods, toiletries, and shelf-stable food items to the Matana Club collection. Drop off items on Sunday, 20 November between 12:30 and 3:00 pm. The Black Door Shop is off Church Road in Giffnock, in the building across the road from Orchardhill Parish Church. The car park can be entered from Rosslea Drive.
JEWISH CARE SCOTLAND COST OF LIVING GRANT
13 October, 2022
For more information, email Kayleigh on [email protected] or phone 0141 620 1800.
ANNUAL AJEX REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY MARCH, WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AND SERVICE
29 September, 2022
The Annual Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women Remembrance Sunday March, Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Service takes place on Sunday, 13 November, 2022. The meeting time is at 10.15am in the Fairweather Hall car park, Newton Mearns. From there the parade will march the short distance to the Memorial at Mearns Cross for the wreath-laying ceremony. There will then be a service of remembrance in Newton Mearns Synagogue, Larchfield Avenue, followed by refreshments.
Members of the community are requested to attend the whole event, organised by the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, or the service if unable to march.
NEW YEAR GREETINGS
22 September, 2022
The President, fellow Trustees and Staff of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council wish the Community
A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SWEET 5783 and an EASY FAST.
NEWSLETTER IN TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN AND BOOK OF CONDOLENCE
22 September, 2022
A special Newsletter in tribute to our late Queen can be found on our Newsletter page.
A Book of Condolence has also been opened by the Rep Council. It is being taken to various community venues and will then be available for signing in our offices in the JCC, 222 Fenwick Road, Giffnock, G46 6UE. Please phone 0141 577 8200 or email [email protected] if you wish to sign it.
8 September, 2022
Glasgow’s Jewish community is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
Timothy Lovat, President of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, spoke on the community’s behalf and said: “We would like to express our great sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.
“Most of us were born and have grown up during her 70-year reign and during that time she has been a constant and wonderful inspiration to us all.”
ONE BIG PICNIC – IN GEORGE SQUARE – WE WERE THERE
6 September, 2022
We were delighted to have participated in the One Big Picnic 2022, held in George Square on Sunday. The Rep Council had two stalls at the event, organised by Interfaith Glasgow. The GJRC stalls were organised by Administrator Evy Yedd. One stall, manned by GJRC Trustees Sharon Schlesinger and Sammy Stein and his wife Vicci, served kosher food such as challah and strudel to visitors. The other one, manned by Evy, Public Affairs Consultant (JLC) Colin Grant and Communications Manager Sharon Mail,
contained a variety of artefacts relating to Judaism as well as sheets providing visitors with the chance to learn how to write their names in Hebrew with some assistance.
The purpose behind the event was to bring together people of all different faiths and cultures in a harmonious gathering and provide them with free food, as well as a chance to play games, enjoy face painting and learn about each other. There was a huge turnout and everyone present from the Rep Council really enjoyed being part of it.
CALDERWOOD LODGE REACHES 60
29 August, 2022
The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council extends its congratulations to Calderwood Lodge Jewish Primary School on reaching 60 years.
The School opened in Calderwood Road, Newlands in August, 1962 and has gone from strength to strength through the years. It started off as a private school, before being taken over by Strathclyde Regional Council and then East Renfrewshire Council when Strathclyde was split into separate councils. ERC approached the Rep Council with a proposal to build a new, state of the art school in Newton Mearns as part of as a shared campus with St Claire’s Roman Catholic Primary School. With everyone’s blessing, the new school opened in August, 2017 and the landmark shared faith campus has been a great success.
Calderwood and the community held several special events in 2012 to celebrate its 50th Anniversary.
Planning is underway to mark the 60th Anniversary throughout the coming school year. The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council is also planning to celebrate this milestone birthday for the school.
ARMED FORCES DAY
20 June, 2022
New Glasgow Rep Council President Timothy Lovat’s first engagement was at the East Renfrewshire Council Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony.
The event, which honoured Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future, took place outside the headquarters of
ERC in Giffnock.
Provost Mary Montagu welcomed the dignitaries and guests which included local MSP Jackson Carlaw, Colonel (Retired) Peter McCarthy the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Timothy Lovat and local AJEX Brigade commander Monty Cowen.
Afterwards Timothy said: “It was a great honour for me to represent Glasgow’s Jewish community at such an important occasion.
“All of us in the community will forever remember the great sacrifices hundreds of thousands of brave men and women made on our behalf during WW2.
“We are indebted to them and we will not forget them.”
GJRC AGM
16 June, 2022
The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council held its first live AGM since COVID on Thursday, 16 June, in the Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue Giffnock Reception area.
Timothy Lovat, the new President of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, is the youngest holder of that office in the organisation’s history.
The 44-year-old businessman succeeded Paul Edlin, who stood down after his three-year term came to an end at the Annual General Meeting last week.
As he accepted the Chain of Office, Timothy pledged to try to bring out the best of what the city’s Jewish community has to offer.
He said: “I would like to harness all that is good in Glasgow’s Jewish community, all the expertise and the knowledge, and bring it together for the common good.
“Although the community has shrunk in recent years, we still have a great deal to give, not just to one another but also to Glasgow as a whole and the rest of Scotland.
Timothy also thanked Paul Edlin for all of his hard work during his Presidency and promised to continue with his efforts to build good relations with the local Muslim population.
“Paul has made great strides in this direction and I would like to congratulate him on that success and continue where he left off,” he said.
The full report can be found here.
THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
2 June, 2022
The Glasgow Jewish Community is pleased to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 Glorious Years as our monarch. We extend our congratulations, gratitude and best wishes to her.
NEW SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT INFORMATION ON HOSTING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES.
16 May, 2022
The Scottish Government is incredibly grateful for the groundswell of support from the Scottish public who have signed up to open their homes to people fleeing the crisis in Ukraine. On Monday we published guidance for hosts offering accommodation under the Scottish Government Super Sponsor scheme. It covers:
· the eligibility criteria to become a host.
· the role and expectations of hosts in supporting Ukrainian guests who arrive under the scheme.
· where hosts can access further support.
This guidance is aimed primarily at hosts using Scotland’s Super Sponsor scheme, but it does set out the expectations and requirements of hosting a displaced person from Ukraine in Scotland for individual/private sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
There are also posts on Twitter, Facebook and a short You Tube video explaining to hosts what happens next.
GJRC YOM HASHOAH EVENT
28 April, 2022
There was a huge turnout for this year’s Yom Hashoah event, organised by the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council Yom Hashoah committee, chaired by Agnes Isaacs. As well as the live audience in the Giffnock Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation Giffnock shul complex, many people attended via Zoom, including the guest speakers Silverio de Sousa Mendes from Portugal and Olivia Mattis from America.
The comperes for the event were Abi Benshetrit and Pippa Ure; candles were lit by Toby Binnie, Zohar Coughlan, Alice, Marnie and Sadie Jackson and Sammy Rosenberg; there were performances from the Glasgow Jewish Singers conducted by Eddie Binnie and the Calderwood Choir conducted by deputy head teacher Andy Robson; Howard Brodie recited the Memorial Prayer and Kaddish; there was a short film, introduced by UJIA senior educator Sydney Switzer on the Calderwood Lodge P7 Yom HaShoah Art project inspired by their studies of the Terezin Ghetto; the vote of thanks was given by GJRC president Paul Edlin; Yom HaShoah Committee members were Agnes Isaacs (chair), Anthea Berg, Fiona Brodie, Tara Silberg, Howard Singerman, Michael Tobias, Dianna Wolfson and Evelynn Yedd.
The full report can be found here.
FESTIVAL GREETINGS
15 April, 2022
The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council President Paul Edlin, Board of Trustees and staff would like to extend to all supporters, friends and colleagues, best wishes for the festivals this weekend – Pesach, Easter and Ramadan. Together we pray for peace for all people in all parts of our world.
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP OF GLASGOW TO THE COMMUNITY
10 April, 2022
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to be sending greetings to you and the Jewish community as you celebrate Pesach this week. As you know I replaced Archbishop Mario Conti as the Bishop with responsibility for interreligious dialogue in 2020 and each time I have written to you the world has been facing crises which have shown us clearly how vulnerable our global community is. There was coronavirus, climate change and now a war in Ukraine which exposes how fragile peace in Europe has been with the ever-present danger of nuclear weapons and a possible third world war which could drastically change the world as we have known it.
Pesach, remembering as it does, the liberation of the People of Israel from the slavery of Egypt reminds us that our hope in liberation and salvation is well founded. It gives us confidence that peace is possible and calls us to trust in God and work for peace in our own lives. At a time when it is easy to become despondent it is good to keep in mind that that God “gives strength to the weary, he strengthens the powerless… Those who hope in the Lord will regain their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; though they run they will not grow weary, though they walk they will never tire (Is. 40:29, 31).
Yours sincerely
Brian McGhee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles
President of the Bishops’ Committee for Interreligious Dialogue.
FIRST MINISTER MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY
8 April, 2022
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with the Jewish community on Sunday, 27 March. She attended a meeting in the Giffnock Newton Mearns Giffnock complex, which was beamed live to the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation and had many others present via Zoom.
The meeting was organised by the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities in conjunction with GJRC and supported by Giffnock Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation and the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation. SCoJeC Chair Nicola Livingston chaired the meeting, GJRC Vice-President Howard Singerman introduced Nicola Sturgeon, the vote of thanks was given by EHC Chair Hilary Rifkind and a presentation was made by Perele Rubin. The SCoJeC Jewish Scotland Connected Project enabled the hybrid nature of the meeting.
The senior Rabbi of Scotland Rabbi Moshe Rubin recited a prayer for Ukraine and thanked Nicola Sturgeon for her leadership during the pandemic and for helping to promote good relations between Scotland’s faith communities.
The First Minister began by telling the community that she was there to listen to their concerns and feelings and answer any questions they might have for her. She spoke about the situation in Ukraine.
View full story here.
31 March, 2022
The letter sent out to our mailing list can be found here.
UKRAINE DISASTER
22 March, 2022
We have set up a page for information on how members of the community can assist the people of Ukraine, including hosting refugees. We will update is as more details become available.
MESSAGE TO COMMUNITY FROM THE GJRC PRESIDENT ABOUT UKRAINE
9 March, 2022
Dear Community Member
The military action by Russia in Ukraine has shocked and galvanised the community into action and members are already supporting a variety of initiatives and charities.
We never thought we would see this happen again after Hitler’s European actions and the Holocaust but sadly, it has become a reality. We all must do what we can to help.
A significant number of people have been phoning me and the Representative Council office asking how they and the Glasgow Jewish Community could support and financially assist the refugees further.
After examining the charitable organisations involved, we believe that World Jewish Relief is probably the easiest and most suitable organisation for people in our community to make contributions to.
https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/ways-to-donate/appeals/1267-ukraine-crisis-appeal
We are also heartened to learn that the Jewish Student Chaplain Rabbi Aharon Lemberger and a group of students have travelled to Poland to assist those who have fled there for safety. We are waiting to hear from Rabbi Lemberger on his return and will be keeping closely in touch with Jewish Student Chaplaincy Scotland to find out how we can help them going forward.
I would like to reassure you that in the coming days and weeks, the Representative Council will be looking at how we can best serve the people of Ukraine and the refugees from there.
Paul Edlin, President Glasgow Jewish Representative Council
WORLD JEWISH RELIEF UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL
24 February, 2022
“Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Our 29 partners across the country describe fear, panic and disbelief, and are doing everything they can to protect their communities in the face of active conflict.
No one knows how far-reaching the consequences of invasion will be, but we know that for the communities we have supported for 30 years the impacts will be catastrophic.
We will respond to the most urgent humanitarian needs as they arise, prioritising food, cash, medical, material, and psychological support for the worst affected, whether fleeing their homes or unable to escape violence.”
Details and how to donate here.
REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL MAKES SHABBAT VISIT TO THE GIFFNOCK NEWTON MEARNS HEBREW CONGREGATION’S GIFFNOCK COMPLEX
10 February, 2022
The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council made a visit to the Giffnock Synagogue on Shabbat, 5 February. After the morning service conducted by Rabbi Moshe Rubin, there was a sit down Kiddush in the banqueting hall, sponsored by Trustee Timothy Lovat on behalf of the Rep Council.
In addressing the gathering, President Paul Edlin spoke of how the Rep Council is working hard to build good relationships with the Muslim community and other groups.
The last flare-up between Israel and the Palestinians had led to many antisemitic incidents which had alarmed the community. In response, GJRC had strived to build ties with moderate Muslim groups and had been successful in doing so. He was pleased to report that a discussion Forum had been set up in which Scotland’s senior minister Rabbi Moshe Rubin and an Imam were involved.
He condemned the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s inappropriate, totally one-sided attack on Israel during the conflict and advised that, together with SCoJeC, he had brought this to her attention.
The Calderwood Lodge head teacher Lisa Corr has recently handed in her notice and Mr Edlin assured those present that Calderwood is and would remain a Jewish denominational school and that GJRC would be involved in the process of selecting her replacement.
View full story here.
INTERFAITH SCOTLAND LIVE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY EVENT
03 February, 2022
Rep Council President, Paul Edlin was among the guests of many faiths lighting candles of remembrance at a Holocaust Memorial Day event hosted by Interfaith Scotland at their offices on Thursday, 27 January. The organisers were delighted to have been able to hold a live, though socially distanced event at last, and also provided a Zoom link for those unable to attend.
Kosher refreshments were provided at a reception, which was followed by the screening of the UK National HMD event. Afterwards, IS Director Maureen Sier lit the first candle before inviting those present to follow suit and to make their HMD 2022 theme ‘One Day’ wish.
YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM THREE COUNTRIES JOIN TOGETHER FOR HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
27 January, 2022 Glasgow – Turin – Rostov-on-Don
Interfaith Scotland, The Lord Provost of Glasgow, and the Royal Conservatoire Scotland are delighted to have supported this innovative international musical project, featuring young people from Glasgow, Turin and Rostov-on-Don. The project was initiated by Julia Atlas, Director of the Russian Cultural Centre, (Scotland) and Lev Atlas from the Royal Conservatoire (Scotland). It is an international project featuring young musicians from Glasgow (Scotland), Turin (Italy) and Rostov-on-Don (Russia). These fine young musicians are dedicating their music (some of it specially created by composer and violinist, Oleg Ponomarev) to all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. They hope that One Day we will learn to live in peace.
Link to useful educational resources from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
https://www.hmd.org.uk/learn-about-the-holocaust-and-genocides/
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK
24 January, 2022
WEDNESDAY, 26 JANUARY
Scotland’s National Holocaust Memorial Day Event – 6pm via the Edinburgh Interfaith Association YouTube channel
Edinburgh Interfaith Association has a long-standing commitment to commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day and has produced the City of Edinburgh events for many years.
Recognising the importance of these events EIFA was selected by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to put together the programme for January 2022.
This will be a pre-recorded programme which will be streamed on the EIFA YouTube channel. You can register to receive the link to this programme here.
The programme will include contributions from Holocaust Survivor Henry Wuga , Rwandan genocide survivor against the Tutsi, Eric Eugene Murangwa, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Shona Robison.
East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Council Event – 7pm online
East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Councils will jointly host their Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony virtually this year on Wednesday, 26 January at 7pm.
Following discussion, it has been agreed the annual event cannot be held as it normally would due to Covid-19, so instead as in 2021 a Ceremony will be hosted virtually on the Councils’ Facebook and Twitter channels.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 is One Day. Survivors of the Holocaust and of genocide often talk about the One Day when everything changed, sometimes for the worse and sometimes for better.
Comments from Provost Fletcher of East Renfrewshire and Provost Cameron of Renfrewshire are included in what has been prepared. Amongst other things, the Ceremony will also include footage of local residents describing their family’s persecution, which will highlight the true horror of the Holocaust, and their subsequent move to Scotland; music provided by East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire school pupils; a prayer; and an opportunity to light a candle in your own home in memory of all those who were murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in other genocides which have taken place such as in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
You can join the virtual memorial on Wednesday, 26 January from 7pm on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter channels. It will also be able to be viewed subsequently. https://www.facebook.com/eastrenfrewshirecouncil
THURSDAY, 27 JANUARY
Interfaith Scotland Holocaust Memorial Day Event
Interfaith Scotland is hosting an in-person Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration at its interfaith dialogue centre in Glasgow, Flemington House, 110 Flemington Street Glasgow G21 4BF (Covid-permitting).
There will be a livestream of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust online commemoration, followed by a candle lighting ceremony when the hosts will invite any participants who wish to come up to the front and light a candle and complete the sentence ‘One Day ….’ to share their wish for the world. The full programme is outlined below:
6.30 pm: Registration and Kosher Refreshments
7.00 pm: Live-streaming of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust online commemoration
8.00 pm: The National Moment
8.05 pm: ‘One Day…candle lighting ceremony’
8.30 pm: 5 Minutes silence
It will be possible to join the event online. If joining online, participants will be sent the link to watch the National HMD commemoration at 7pm, and you can then join Interfaith Scotland via Zoom for the national moment and candle-lighting ceremony in the dialogue centre at 8pm. Sign up for the online event at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/HMD2022Online
MESSAGES TO THE COMMUNITY FOLLOWING THE TEXAS SYNAGOGUE SIEGE
21 January, 2022
Places of worship should be places of peace and sanctuary. The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with all those affected by the distressing events at the synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, and faith and belief communities everywhere.
This abhorrent terrorist incident must not be allowed to divide communities, or affect the positive inter faith relationships which contribute to the great strength Scotland derives from its diversity.
Shona Robison
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government
Following the events at a synagogue in Texas, last Saturday and the arrests in England, I want to reassure Scottish communities that at this time there is no known threat in Scotland or any link between Scotland and this incident.
Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe, and whilst we understand that people may feel vulnerable as a result of this incident, I would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated.
I would encourage you to inform Police Scotland of any increased tensions or other community concerns you become aware of. Please contact the Police either by calling 101, or dial 999 for emergencies, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can also report hate crime using our online hate crime reporting form on the Police Scotland website or via one of our Third Party Reporting Centres.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie Police Scotland
The hostage incident by a British terrorist at Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, is a stark reminder as to why CST does its job. We work to ensure that the people inside every Jewish school, shul and other Jewish communal buildings are properly protected. We fund security equipment; we arrange guarding and we ensure that security procedures are in place and up-to-date, taking learning points from every incident globally. We work closely across government and police to ensure that our community’s needs are met.
It is also a reminder that such attacks can occur anywhere in our diverse communities. So, please take note of this attack and continue your support, co-operate with our people when they are performing their duties, implement security procedures, and do not hesitate to contact us if you are aware of any suspicious incidents.
Mark Gardner Chief Executive Community Security Trust
DAME STEPHANIE SHIRLEY CH DELIVERED 22ND UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL LECTURE
Tuesday, 18 January, 2022
Dame Stephanie’s life story began with her 1939 arrival in Britain as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee. In 1962, she started a software house, Freelance Programmers, that pioneered new work practices and changed the position of professional women, especially in hi-tech. She went on to create a global business and a personal fortune shared with her colleagues; she made 70 of her staff millionaires at no cost to anyone, but herself.
Since retiring in 1993, her focus has been increasingly on philanthropy based on her strong belief in giving back to society. In 2009/10 she served as the UK’s first ever national Ambassador for Philanthropy. Her charitable Shirley Foundation has initiated and funded a number of projects that are pioneering by nature and strategic in impact, totaling £67m to date. The focus is on IT and her late son’s disorder of autism.
HAPPY CHANUKAH FROM ALL AT THE REP COUNCIL
Sunday, 28 November, 2021
The President, Board Members and Staff wish everyone in the Glasgow Jewish Community a Very Happy Chanukah.
AJEX REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY MARCH AND WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
Sunday, 14 November, 2021
The annual Association of Jewish Servicemen and Women March and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place in Newton Mearns on Sunday. The AJEX contingent, including members of the 5th Giffnock Guides and Brownies,marched with members of the British Legion and High School pupils. Wreaths were laid by AJEX Brigade Commander Monty Cowen and Rep Council president Paul Edlin.
Afterwards, there was a memorial service in Newton Mearns Synagogue, at which special guests East Renfrewshire Provost Jim Fletcher, Kirsten Oswald MP and Renfrewshire Deputy Lieutenant Alexander Stoddard were present.
JEWISH CARE SCOTLAND CHANUKAH GRANT 2021
Tuesday, 10 November, 2021
VIEW OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER HERE.
Friday, 29 October, 2021
LEAFLET FOR COP26 JEWISH VISITORS TO GLASGOW
Tuesday, 26 October, 2021
Our COP26 Guide providing Jewish religious and cultural advice for delegates and others visiting Glasgow from around the world for the Conference has been printed and circulated. Welcome to Glasgow!
EVENTS CALENDAR FOR JEWISH COP26 PARTICIPANTS (In Glasgow or online)
Sunday 31st October
- 2:00pm – 3:00pm COP26 Vigil on George Square by Interfaith Glasgow and Interfaith Scotland. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/y383exdy
- 4:30pm Talanoa event at Garnethill Synagogue
- 8pm – The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development/London School of Jewish Studies – interfaith webinar. Online.
Monday 1st November
- 10:00am – Jewish Delegates’ Bagel Brunch: An informal kosher and vegan brunch at Garnethill Synagogue, Glasgow, to bring together Jewish delegates from around the world. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2yreb7hf
- 1:30pm – Commonwealth Jewish Council interfaith panel, at Green Zone at COP26 Glasgow.
Tuesday 2nd November
- All day – Eco Synagogue and Board of Deputies of British Jews stand C7 at Green Zone at COP26, Glasgow. All are welcome to come and say hello.
Friday 5th November
- Eco Shabbat – Activities at synagogues in Glasgow, and throughout the UK. Contact [email protected] for national details, or Susan Siegel for details of synagogues participating in Glasgow
Saturday 6th November
- Eco Shabbat – Activities at synagogues in Glasgow, and throughout the UK. Contact [email protected] for national details, or Susan Siegel for details of synagogues participating in Glasgow
Sunday 7th November
- Evening – Interfaith event about education/tolerance – Giffnock Synagogue, Glasgow (Southside). Contact Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, details here.
Monday 8th November
- 7:00pm – 8:15pm: EcoSynagogue and Board of Deputies of British Jews interfaith webinar. Online, details TBC.
CHIEF RABBI MIRVIS TO VISIT COMMUNITY ON
1 NOVEMBER, DURING COP26
Wednesday, 20 October, 2021
There is excitement in the community with the news that Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is, at his request, to address the Glasgow Jewish Community whilst here for the COP26 Conference. The meeting, which will be one of the first major live events in the community since before the Covid19 outbreak, is being hosted by Giffnock Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation on Monday, 1 November, in Giffnock Shul.
Those attending are asked to be at the Shul before 8pm for a Ma’ariv service which will be followed by the Chief Rabbi speaking. There will be the opportunity for questions afterwards. Doors will be open at 7.30pm and close at 8pm and everyone is asked to arrive early to take their seats. The event is free, but pre-booking is required for security reasons. Booking can be made by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] or phoning 0141 577 8250 or 0141 639 4000.
Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration for Cop26
Monday, 20 September, 2021
Many faiths have come together to sign a declaration committing to an obligation to be responsible in caring for the Earth. It comes in advance of the COP26 Conference being held in Glasgow in November.
Among the UK signatories are leaders and representatives of United, Reform, Liberal and Masorti Judaism and the Sephardi Community UK. In Scotland, the Declaration has been signed by Scotland’s Senior Rabbi of Scotland Rabbi Moshe Rubin and Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation Minister Rabbi David Rose.
“Our faith communities are united in caring for human life and the natural world. We share a belief in a hopeful future, as well as an obligation to be responsible in caring for our common home, the Earth.
We recognise the opportunities that COP26 brings in addressing the urgent need for action in limiting the effects of climate change and the critical importance of decisions made in this conference to take forward the agreement made in Paris in 2015.
People have exploited the planet, causing climate change. We recognise that the burden of loss and damage falls most heavily on people living in poverty, especially women and children.
We acknowledge the commitments made through the Lambeth Declaration in 2015. Now, because of the gravity of our situation, the impact of climate change around the world, and the inequality of its effects we seek to strengthen those commitments.
We commit to respond to this challenge by:
- Reflecting deeply in prayer, meditation and worship to discern how to care for the earth and each other, and to encourage our respective communities to do the same.
- Making transformational change in our own lives and in the lives of our communities through individual and collective action.
- Being advocates for justice by calling on governments, businesses and others who exercise power and influence to put into effect the Paris agreement; to make the transition to a just and green economy a priority; and to commit to science-based targets that are aligned with a healthy, resilient, zero-emissions future.
We remind governments of their commitments made in Paris in 2015 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, and of Article 17 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights to protect the environment, the biosphere and biodiversity. We call upon them to take the urgent action needed to avert the loss, damage, and forced migration threatened by climate change.
We look to governments to work together and with others to create a positive vision for 2050 where addressing climate change is not just an opportunity to stop burning fossil fuels, but also: to achieve cleaner air and water; to reduce food wastage; to ensure a just and equitable sharing of the earth’s resources; and to protect the habitats we share with all other life on whose health we also depend.
Across our doctrinal and political differences, we know that we must change our ways to ensure a quality of life which all can share, and we need to provide hope for people of all ages, everywhere, including future generations. To offer hope in the world we need to have confidence that those in power understand the vital role they have to play at the Glasgow COP26.
Our collective energy and prayers will be with those working for a successful outcome.”
Signed by:
| UK Senior Faith Leaders Archbishop Angaelos, Archbishop of London, The Coptic Orthodox Church The Rt Revd John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, and lead Bishop for the Environment, Catholic Church in England and Wales Imam Qari Muhammad Asim, Chair, Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board Malcolm M Deboo, President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Inc) Revd Clare Downing and Mr Peter Pay, Moderators of General Assembly, United Reformed Church Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi, S&P Sephardi Community, UK Revd. Lynn Green, General Secretary, The Baptist Union of Great Britain Rev Sonia Hicks, President of the Methodist Church and Barbara Easton, Vice-President of the Methodist Church Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Former Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism Rt Rev Andy John, Bishop of Bangor and Senior Bishop in the Church in Wales Rabbi David Mason, representing Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra (Imam), Christian – Muslim Forum | Scottish Religious Leaders & Representatives The Rt Hon Lord Jim Wallace of Tankerness, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Elizabeth Allen, Clerk, General Meeting for Scotland, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Imam Sohail Ashfaque, Blackhall Mosque Lt-Col Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army Revd David Coleman, Minister of the United Reformed Church and Chaplain to Eco- Congregation Scotland Allan Forsyth and Isadora Quay, on behalf of the Baha’i Community of Scotland Rev Bonnie Evans Hills, convener Scottish Episcopal Church Interfaith Relations Committee Madhu Jain, Hindu Mandir Scotland Revd Dr Martin Johnstone, Glasgow Churches Together COP26 Ambassador Ani Lhamo, Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Centre Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Interreligious dialogue Rev Dr David Miller, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland Acharya Ji Mishra, Priest of Hindu Mandir Scotland Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Advisor Sikhs in Scotland |
| Mr. Patrick O’Mara, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United Kingdom Mrs Trupti Patel, President of the Hindu Forum of Britain Juliet Prager, Deputy Recording Clerk, Quakers in Britain Imam Sayed Razawi, Chief Imam, Director General of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society Rabbi Danny Rich, former Senior Rabbi and Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism in the United Kingdom The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Head Priest of the London Buddhist Vihara Dr Natubhai Shah, Senior leader, Jain Community UK The Rt. Hon Lord Indarjit Singh of Wimbledon, Director Network of Sikh Organisations (UK) Jasvir Singh OBE, Chair of City Sikhs Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG, Chairman, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and lead Bishop on the Environment, Church of England Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism UK | Imam Hassan Rabbani, Imam of Zia-Ul-Quran Mosque, Chair of Scottish Muslim Forum Lama Yeshe Choje Losal Rinpoche Abbot of Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Centre Rabbi David Rose Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Giffnock and Newlands Hebrew Congregation, Senior Rabbi of Scotland Shaykh Sohaib Saeed, Al-Furqan Mosque The Revd Mark Slaney Chair Methodist Church Scotland Sr. Isabel Smyth Sisters of Notre Dame & Secretary to the Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Inter-religious Dialogue Most Rev Mark Strange Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church Linsay Taylor, Muslim Council of Scotland and Chair of Interfaith Scotland Dr Srihari Vallabhajousula, Honorary Priest, Hindu Temple of Scotland, Rutherglen, Glasgow Ameed Versace, Climate Officer, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society Revd Paul Whittle, Moderator of The United Reformed Church National Synod of Scotland Rev. George Whyte, Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland |
AFGHAN APPEAL LAUDED AT HOLYROOD
Tuesday, 28 September, 2021
The Glasgow Jewish community’s amazing efforts to help Afghan refugees have been praised in the Scottish Parliament.
Jewish couple Vicci and Sammy Stein have been singled out for their fantastic leadership of the campaign, headed by Rep Council, while the generosity of Calderwood Lodge pupils and parents has also been recognized.
Eastwood Conservative MSP, Jackson Carlaw, has secured support from the SNP and the Scottish Green Party for a Holyrood Motion he tabled to salute the “Incredible Interfaith Community Efforts to Support Afghan Refugees Arriving in Scotland.”
Jackson Carlaw MSP
The Motion continues: “That the Parliament commends the fantastic interfaith efforts in the Greater Glasgow area for securing thousands of donations to support the men, women and children who are arriving in Scotland from Afghanistan;
“Notes that the initiative, led by Sammy and Vicci Stein, has resulted in huge amounts of items such as baby products, toys, clothes and household goods being donated;
“Welcomes that the appeal from the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council developed into an interfaith campaign, with members of the Muslim community playing a pivotal role in securing additional facilities to help store the large amounts of items that have been donated;
“Understands that within just a number of days, almost every available storage space at the Maccabi Centre, Jewish Care Scotland and Cosgrove Care buildings, at May Terrace, in Giffnock, were filled with donations;
“Acknowledges that the two schools belonging to the world’s first Jewish-Catholic joint campus of Calderwood Lodge and St Clare’s primaries, in Newton Mearns, made a vital contribution to the appeal through the provision of toiletries and women’s sanitary products.”
See full motion and signatories here.
The signatories recognise “the opportunities that COP26 brings in addressing the urgent need for action in limiting the effects of climate change and the critical importance of decisions made in this conference to take forward the agreement made in Paris in 2015.”
View full Declaration and signatories here.
VIEW OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER HERE
Friday, 10 September, 2021
NEW YEAR GREETING FROM GLASGOW LORD PROVOST PHILIP BRAAT
Thursday, 9 September, 2021https:www.jewishglasgow.org/cop26/#glasgowmultiVideo Player00:0000:45
SNP HOUSE OF COMMONS LEADER VISITS GIFFNOCK SHUL
Kirsten Oswald , Rabbi Aharon Lemberger and Ian Blackford
Ian Blackford, the SNP’s leader in the House of Commons, and local MP Kirsten Oswald visited Giffnock Shul this week and met with Paul Edlin and Ephraim Borowski.
They discussed the situation in the Middle East and the rise of antisemitism in Scotland.
Rep Council President Paul Edlin also stated that he hopes to forge a stronger relationship between the Glasgow Jewish community and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
SCoJeC Director Ephraim Borowski told the politicians the rise of antisemitism is a major concern for Jewish people throughout the country.
Mr Blackford confirmed that the SNP is committed to helping find a sustainable peace in the Middle East on the basis of a two-state solution.
Kirsten Oswald said she believes progress is being made with regards to the graffiti incident in a local school and pledged to help improve dialogue in the community.
Earlier Rabbi Lemberger gave the visitors a guided tour of the shul and Philip Mendelsohn, SCoJeC’s Honorary Treasurer provided a fascinating insight into the Queen’s Park Windows.
Both Ian Blackford and Kirsten Oswald said they were pleased to be invited and thought the discussions were constructive and wide-ranging.
Full story here.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS APPEAL FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES
Thursday, 2 September, 2021
NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT PAUL EDLIN ON BEHALF OF THE REP COUNCIL
GJRC President Paul Edlin
As Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy days approach the Rep Council are busy working for the Glasgow Jewish Community.
In November the COP26 environment conference will be held in Glasgow and we have planned various events for the community during this international event.
Covid 19 has presented unprecedented challenges and bereavements in the past year but these have brought the community together as never before.
Harmonious community relationships with other faith groups are most important and we continue to work on these following antisemitic incidents at a few schools in June.
In addition, we have held Zoom discussions with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Tory Leader Douglas Ross recently and just last week we welcomed the SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, to Giffnock Shul, along with local MP, Kirsten Oswald.
Let’s hope the year ahead will be easier for Glasgow’s Jewish Community and we wish you and your families a happy and healthy new year. Shana Tovah.
JEWISH CARE SCOTLAND ROSH HASHANAH GRANTS
Monday, 23 August, 2021
Jewish Care Scotland wants everyone to have the chance to observe important times in the Jewish Year. That’s why they are pleased to be able to offer Rosh Hashanah grants for anyone struggling to meet additional costs associated with this time.
This is a one-off grant of £40 for individuals or £60 for households with limited income, designed to help anyone struggling with the cost of food or other activities associated with Rosh Hashanah.
If you would like more information or are interested in applying for a Rosh Hashanah grant, contact JCS on 0141 620 1800 or email [email protected], and ask for the Community and Wellbeing Team. Any support offered will be dependent on individual circumstances and applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation.
MEETING WITH SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE LEADER
Douglas Ross MSP
Rep Council President Paul Edlin met with Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross and Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw CBE last week.
The Zoom event was also attended by Rep Council Vice-President Howard Singerman, Secretary Micheline Brannan and Colin Grant, the Rep Council’s Public Affairs Consultant.
Much of the discussions centred on the recent rise of antisemitism in Scotland and incidents at two secondary schools, sparked off by the war between Israel and Gaza.
Paul Edlin asked the MSPs to help in encouraging Muslims leaders to engage with the Jewish community and stressed that Scottish Jews have nothing but goodwill and the desire to live and work together as good neighbours and fellow citizens with their Muslim counterparts.
Douglas Ross promised he and his colleagues will do all they can to ensure that the Scottish Government acts whenever similar incidents arise in the future.
Jackson Carlaw MSP
Jackson Carlaw confirmed he would be seeking to continue to convene the Cross-Party Group on Building Bridges with Israel at Holyrood, which he founded in the last parliament, and expected representation from both the SNP and Scottish Labour.
The Cross-Party Group’s first meeting of the current Session will take place in September and it is hoped that the new Deputy Ambassador for Israel will attend by Zoom.
Full story here
ZOOM MEETING WITH FIRST MINISTER
Thursday, 12 August, 2021
Paul Edlin, President of the Rep Council, met with Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, last week. He was accompanied by Nicola Livingston and Ephraim Borowski, Chair and Director respectively of SCoJeC, and the Rep Council’s public affairs consultant, Colin Grant.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues of importance to the Jewish community in Glasgow and throughout Scotland. High on the agenda was a proposed meeting between Ms Sturgeon and Israel’s new ambassador.
Other topics included a possible public meeting with members of the Jewish community in Glasgow later this year; concerns about the SNP Government’s potential coalition with the Green Party; the recent spike in antisemitic attacks, including those on Jewish students and anti-Israel graffiti at a secondary school.
The First Minister said: “I would like to reassure our Jewish communities that antisemitism will not be tolerated in Scotland and we remain committed to tackling it. It unequivocally remains the case that matters abroad do not, and cannot, justify antisemitism or expressions of racial or religious hatred of any form.”
Full report here.
WE’RE GEARING UP FOR COP26
Monday, 9 August, 2021
GJRC COP26 project coordinator Susan Siegel gave an extensive report on community plans for the international summit.
Dr Susan Siegel
The meeting was attended by Board members, Scotland’s senior rabbi Rabbi Moshe Rubin, UJIA Scotland Educator Sydney Switzer and Jewish Student Chaplain Scotland Rabbi Aharon Lemberger.
Among events planned are an Eco Shabbat on 5&6 November; a major Interfaith Dialogue event run by GJRC on Tuesday 2 November; youth Eco events; a plan, with Interfaith Scotland to provide refreshments and facilities for police officers on duty from throughout the UK for COP26.
A leaflet detailing synagogues, kosher facilities and other information is being prepared for out of town Jewish delegates to the conference.
The President, Paul Edlin expressed his thanks to Susan Siegel and everyone involved in all the hard work taking place in planning the various activities.
MEETING WITH GLASGOW LORD PROVOST
From left, Philip Braat, Timothy Lovat and Paul Edlin
Paul Edlin, the GJRC President, along with senior member Timothy Lovat, met with Philip Braat, the Lord Provost of Glasgow, last week.
The friendly discussions included the Jewish community’s support for the COP26 summit in Glasgow later this year and the community’s attempts to find ways of improving the environment.
They also looked at ways of developing interfaith relationships between all faith groups and a pledge from Paul Edlin to put the Jewish community at the forefront of these efforts.
Provost Braat praised the longstanding contributions made to the city by its Jewish population and offered his support for the Representative Council’s interfaith endeavours.
GJRC BOARD MEETING
Public Affairs Consultant Colin Grant
At our latest Monthly Board Meeting, the President Paul Edlin welcomed new Public Affairs Consultant Colin Grant to the meeting.
A report was given by Susan Siegel on a series of exciting COP26 initiatives being planned.
Linda Wolfson reported on the draft plan for consulting widely with Jews throughout the West of Scotland.
The consultation will be on how to ensure that diversity and inclusion across the Jewish community are reflected in the organisation, composition and activities of GJRC; and the Representative Council’s role within the future West of Scotland Jewish Community and associated communal infrastructure.
GLASGOW JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL IN CONVERSATION WITH NATAN SHARANSKY
23 May, 2021
Full report here.
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS HUSTINGS MEETING
Thursday, 22 April, 2021
The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council held a Hustings Meeting last night for the forthcoming election for the Scottish Parliament. Full report here.
Statement following Glasgow Jewish Representative Council’s meeting with Celtic Football Club (15 January, 2021)
