First Minister Hamza Yousaf's recent visit to a service of prayer and solidarity with Scotland's Jewish community has evoked mixed reactions in light of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
The event, held last night, aimed to offer support and compassion to the Jewish community in Scotland during these trying times.
During the service, First Minister Yousaf expressed his condolences for those who have lost loved ones in the conflict and emphasized his unwavering solidarity with all communities in Scotland suffering the loss of innocent lives.
First Minister @HumzaYousaf attended a service of prayer and solidarity last night with Scotland’s Jewish community.
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 13, 2023
Expressing sorrow for those who lost loved ones, he said @scotgov stands in solidarity with all communities in Scotland suffering the loss of innocent life. pic.twitter.com/nONYvbnRM1
The event was attended by members of the Jewish community and local leaders who joined together in prayer and reflection.
Yousaf's presence at the service signifies the importance of unity and empathy during turbulent times, showing that communities in Scotland can come together to support each other in times of global crisis.
Meanwhile, many individuals slated the first minister as at least 1,900 Palestinians have been killed so far after Israel launched a massive missile attack on Gaza Strip.
Another "Friend of Israel" hypocrite 🙄
— Naveed Ahmed (@naveedciao) October 13, 2023
Personal ties to Gaza crisis
In a poignant moment during the service, Yousaf shared his family's personal connection to the conflict in Gaza. His mother-in-law and father-in-law are currently stranded in Gaza, a region heavily affected by the ongoing Israeli offensive.
Yousaf's in-laws, a Palestinian-origin father-in-law, and a Scottish mother-in-law had traveled to Gaza to attend to an ailing relative.
Yousaf emphasized that the Gaza crisis extends beyond his family, as many Scottish families find themselves in a similar predicament, with loved ones in both Gaza and Israel.
The First Minister, of Pakistani Punjabi origin, occupies the highest executive position in Scotland, and he is the first Muslim and person of Asian descent to do so.
