John Swinney has urged “unity over division” on the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel.
The First Minister called for “long-lasting peace” as he marked the attacks by Hamas in 2023 in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, triggering the devastating war in Gaza.
He said: “Three years on from the horrific attacks of October 7 2023 – the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust – we remember those who were murdered, and their families and loved ones.
As we remember all those who lost their lives on October 7 and in the conflict since, we do so in equal condemnation of terror and violence, and in the belief that compassion must prevail over hatred, unity over division and peace over violence
“The consequences of that truly dreadful day continue to be felt by so many today, and I know the impact remains particularly profound for Jewish communities here in Scotland and across the world.
“The scale of death, suffering and displacement for so many people and communities since those attacks must be acknowledged and must act as a guiding force to secure long-lasting peace.”
Mr Swinney said the anniversary was a moment to remember those who were killed in the attacks in Israel, as well as those who have lost their lives in the violence and conflict that has followed.
He continued: “Scotland’s diversity remains one of our greatest strengths and so we must be resolute in our condemnation of terror, antisemitism, prejudice and hatred.
“Events in the Middle East can never justify hostility or violence towards any of Scotland’s communities.
“As we remember all those who lost their lives on October 7 and in the conflict since, we do so in equal condemnation of terror and violence, and in the belief that compassion must prevail over hatred, unity over division and peace over violence.”