​Religious groups condemn Islamophobia and antisemitism

Faith leaders have condemned a “worrying upsurge” in Islamophonia and antisemitism in the wake of deepening crisis in the Middle East.

A recent joint statement by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Muslim Council of Britain called on people of faith to "redouble efforts to work together and get to know one another".

The statement was made against the backdrop of criris in Syria and Iraq and the conflict in Gaza.

It continued: "We condemn any expression of antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of racism."

The Church of Scotland has welcomed the joint statement. Sally Foster-Fulton, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, said: “I was deeply troubled to hear that antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents are also on the rise in Scotland.

We must do all we can to make sure that we do not conflate extremist behaviour in Iraq with Islam, nor political policies in Israel with Judaism

“There can be no excuse for hate, for racism, violence, intimidation or the targeting of people because of the faith they practice.

“Lazy, unhelpful stereotypes and prejudiced, unkind behaviour demean us all.

“We must do all we can to make sure that we do not conflate extremist behaviour in Iraq with Islam, nor political policies in Israel with Judaism.

“As the joint statement reflects, ‘We must not import conflict. We must export peace instead’.

The Rt Rev John Chalmers, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, added: “We need to work together to raise awareness and offer support to people who find themselves under pressure because of wholly unacceptable, unhealthy prejudice.

“We must stand with our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, and commit to modelling good relationships as a way to move past mere tolerance and towards a peaceful partnership which has all of Scotland’s people at its heart.”