Leaders reaffirm inter-faith solidarity in Scotland

First Minister Humza Yousaf has joined faith leaders in Scotland to express a steadfast commitment against all forms of hate crime, bigotry and xenophobia.

In a joint statement, the First Minister and senior religious representatives of Scotland’s Jewish and Muslim communities have pledged to continue working together to foster community cohesion and goodwill across Scotland.

A copy of the joint statement from the First Minister and faith leaders is below.

We express today our mutual respect and understanding, recognising our common humanity, and with love and compassion, knowing that our hearts are full of pain. We also acknowledge the suffering caused to innocent life as a result of recent events and wholeheartedly pray for the full recovery of the many injured and for those who have lost loved ones. 

In times of crisis, it is important for our faith communities, and all communities in Scotland, to reaffirm our relationships and maintain our continuing dialogue. We are steadfast in our commitment against all forms of hate crime, bigotry and xenophobia and we are proud of the strong inter-faith tradition in Scotland. We stand together in solidarity to reassure our communities of that continuing commitment. We will continue to work together to foster community cohesion and goodwill across Scotland, so that everyone can live in safety. We are proud of our close and strong working relationships, built up over many years, and which allows us the ability to work with confidence and trust.

Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland

Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Senior Rabbi of Scotland 

Chief Imam Dr. Sayed Razawi

Shaykh Hassan Rabbani, Chair of the Scottish Muslim Forum

Rabbi Eliran Shabo, Jewish Chaplain of Scotland Universities