Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney faces growing backlash after announcing a boycott on public funding for arms companies supplying Israel. Critics, including nearly 3,000 petition signers, claim his strong words on Gaza and policy moves put Jewish people at risk and stir up hate.
Background on Swinney’s Announcement
John Swinney made headlines on September 3, 2025, when he spoke in Edinburgh. He called Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide and outlined steps to cut ties.
His government plans to stop new public money going to defense firms linked to Israel. This includes freezing funds from the Scottish National Investment Bank and enterprise agencies.
Swinney also pushed for the UK to pull out of its trade deal with Israel. He urged recognizing a Palestinian state right away.
These moves come amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which started after Hamas attacks in October 2023. Swinney said everyone has a duty to act against what he sees as clear signs of genocide.
He tied this to broader aid efforts, like sending one million pounds in humanitarian help to Gaza. The Scottish Parliament even flew the Palestinian flag over its buildings during his speech.
Petition and Warnings from Activists
A group called Scotland Against Antisemitism led the charge against Swinney. They delivered a letter to his office on September 7, 2025, with almost 3,000 signatures.
The letter warns that Swinney’s rhetoric and boycott do nothing to help Palestinians but make life harder for Jews in Scotland. It points out rising hate crimes and calls for him to pull back his words.
Leah Benoz, who runs the group, said Jewish safety is now at greater risk. She stressed that calling the Gaza conflict a genocide fuels prejudice without saving lives.
Other voices joined in. A Scottish antisemitism watchdog told media that government talk on Israel puts Jews in danger. They urged leaders to watch their words carefully.
Posts on social media show strong feelings on both sides. Some praise Swinney for standing up, while others say he ignores Jewish concerns.
Impact on Scotland’s Jewish Community
Scotland has about 5,000 Jewish people, making up just 0.093 percent of the population. Yet, they faced 17 percent of all religious hate crimes last year.
This stark number comes from official reports. It shows how small groups can bear a big load of bias.
Community leaders worry the boycott adds to a hostile mood. They say it singles out Israel in a way that spills over into everyday antisemitism.
For example, some Jewish groups report more threats and vandalism since the Gaza war began. They link this to heated public debates.
Swinney has met with Palestinian groups but not Israeli ones lately. Critics say this one-sided approach makes things worse.
Here are key stats on hate crimes in Scotland:
- Religious hate crimes rose 15 percent in 2024.
- Jews were targets in one out of six cases, despite their small numbers.
- Most incidents involved verbal abuse or online harassment.
Broader Political Context
This controversy fits into bigger UK debates on Israel and Gaza. The British government plans to recognize Palestine soon if certain steps happen.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suspended some arms sales to Israel. But Scotland, with its own powers, goes further under Swinney’s SNP leadership.
Opposition parties in Scotland call it reckless. They say it hurts business and ties without real gain.
On the world stage, similar boycotts pop up elsewhere. Ireland and Norway have recognized Palestine, sparking their own debates on bias.
Swinney defends his stance as moral. He says Scotland must lead on human rights, drawing from its history of global stands.
| Key Actions by Swinney | Details | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Arms Funding Pause | No new public money to firms supplying Israel | Affects Scottish defense jobs and trade |
| Call for Trade Deal Exit | Urge UK to end Israel agreement | Could strain UK-Israel relations |
| Humanitarian Aid | One million pounds to Gaza | Helps immediate needs but draws criticism |
| Palestine Recognition | Push for immediate statehood | Aligns with global moves but risks backlash |
Calls for Dialogue and Change
The petition asks Swinney to meet Jewish leaders and take real steps against hate. They want him to drop words like genocide, which Israel and the US reject.
Experts say open talks could ease tensions. Some suggest training for officials on spotting antisemitism in policy.
As this unfolds, many watch how Swinney responds. Will he adjust or stand firm?
The issue highlights how foreign policy can hit home. It affects real people in Scotland’s diverse communities.
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