Edinburgh, Scotland - Muslim Leaders Offer to Guard Synagogue |
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News Source: The Scotsman
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Guards in Muslim garb in Seattle [archived photo]Edinburgh, Scotland - Muslim leaders have offered to stand guard outside a Scottish synagogue after it was vandalised in an alleged anti-Semitic attack.
Two men have appeared in court in connection with the attack on the synagogue in Edinburgh last week, when several window panes were smashed.
Scottish Islamic Foundation chairman Ken Imrie has written to Rabbi David Rose of the Edinburgh Hebrew Co ngregation to voice the group’s “revulsion and horror” at the attack.
“We trust you have adequate security arrangements in place, in line with places of worship across the country. If not, such is our strength of feeling on this matter, we would wish to physically guard the synagogue ourselves,” he added in the letter.
It is the second time the Newington synagogue, which serves an estimated 700-strong Jewish community in Edinburgh, has come under attack in seven years and comes amid a reported increase in the number of anti-Semitic attacks in Scotland and across the UK following the recent conflict in Gaza.
The Scottish Islamic Foundation’s offer to provide security at the synagogue is intended as a show of strength between the two religious communities in a bid to prevent further unrest.
Mr Imrie wrote in his letter: “We wish you to know that the Muslim community stand full square with you in revulsion and horror at this vandalism. To violently damage any building is wrong. That this is a respected place of worship, faith and spirituality makes the crime even more heinous.”
Mark Gardner, spokesman for the Community Security Trust, an organisation that protects British Jews against anti-Semitic attacks and helps with other security issues within Jewish communities, said “This statement and others like it around the UK will hopefully encourage both communities to regard each other as allies in the face of racism and extremism,” Mr Gardner said.
A man aged 22 and a 17-year-old male appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a charge of malicious mischief aggravated by religious prejudice in connection with the incident. They are also accused of possessing a baseball bat at the time.
They both pled not guilty and a trial date was fixed for 8 April.
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Read Comments (34) — Post Yours »
1
Mar 18, 2009 at 08:19 PM za003 Says:Report as Inappropriate
and they say all the arabs are bad
2
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:03 PM Avrohom Abba Says:Report as Inappropriate
This could be the start of a new approach to Jews. This is not because of love of Jews, this is because of hate for Israel. Like this, they can tell the world, "You see? We are not against Jews, we are just against Israel and the Zionists."
3
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:30 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ and they say all the arabs are bad ”
no not all just the vast majority
4
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:25 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This could be the start of a new approach to Jews. This is not because of love of Jews, this is because of hate for Israel. Like this, they can tell the world, "You see? We are not against Jews, we are just against Israel and the Zionists." ”
What are you talking about, no mention of Israel was made. You're so paranoid.
5
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:24 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ and they say all the arabs are bad ”
Muslims are not neceserely Arab
6
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:21 PM murray Says:Report as Inappropriate
this is the exception and Not the rule (unfortunately) but very encouraging...a very positive and upbeat article......thank you VIN for posting.
7
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:45 PM PMO Says:Report as Inappropriate
Ignorance breeds ignorance. Most Muslims have no problem with Jews or Israel. Just like not all Jews rob people of their money (ie. Madoff). Don't be too cynical about this. This kind of cooperation happens in many places outside of Brooklyn, including here in Florida. There are plenty of Muslims you can point to with hatred, but most are far more like us than you realize. - Yes, this is from personal experience.
8
Mar 18, 2009 at 09:35 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This could be the start of a new approach to Jews. This is not because of love of Jews, this is because of hate for Israel. Like this, they can tell the world, "You see? We are not against Jews, we are just against Israel and the Zionists." ”
And if they say that many heimeshe yiden will support this claim
9
Mar 18, 2009 at 08:48 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Just what we need the Fox guarding the Hen House.
10
Mar 18, 2009 at 08:40 PM Jewish mother Says:Report as Inappropriate
Wow!! that is really really good news. Thank you for publishing this.
The kindness of the Muslim community toward the Jewish people now and in generations past shall not be forgotten.
In my own family, my mothers entire extended family escaped Poland to Algeria thanks to the kindness of the Muslim community who gave them Algerian papers. I would not be here if it were not for the protection and kindnesses of the Muslim community for which our family is eternally grateful.
11
Mar 18, 2009 at 08:35 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
You see, if more Muslims voiced their opinions on such matters such as this group, maybe people would be more accepting that yes, there are good Muslims out there too. It's hard to remain neutral when the overwhelming majority of statements, letters, and just general news you hear coming out of the Islamic world is hate-based, violent, and destructive. If more Muslims spoke out against hatred and violence, and banded together to put a stop to the hatred that seems to engulf the religion and started working to teach the young generation tolerance instead of suicide, maybe things can change. At any rate I am impressed with the Scottish Islamic Foundation.
12
Mar 18, 2009 at 10:14 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
intersting muslims wanting to whatch a shul... help is good and sometimes from the outside can b helpful it is
13
Mar 18, 2009 at 11:18 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
bullshit i don't trust them one bit
14
Mar 18, 2009 at 10:56 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
may there be this kind of peace in jerusalem
let nefesh bnefesh take their garbage and sell it to the dogs
seemingly the golus approach seems to work
15
Mar 19, 2009 at 05:23 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Many, Many Muslims are like this. But, in most countries THEY, the normal Muslims are frightened by the minority of crazies among their own. It is the crazies, or those who follow them, though they are a small minority, who have the guns, and means, and will to kill those who oppose them.
Also, they will kill the person or person's family of one of their own who opposed them. We cry out that Muslims around the world should speak out. But, how many of us would have the personal courage to do so. Once one speaks out, he has turned his entire extended family into targets. It could mean killing his own son or daughter, or both. Do YOU have that courage? I do not.
Therefore, I am VERY grateful to these brave people for their courageous act of speaking out. Their leader both a very courageous man, as well as a man who believes he can protect himself and his family.
I live in Florida, and have met quite a few very friendly Arab-Muslim and Palestinian-Muslim families. One family, in particular, moved from Israel to Florida, because the grandfather said back in the 50's, that he foresees that if they stay there, his grand children will be forced into hating his Jewish friend's grand children, and vice versa. He could not stand the thought of that, since for many generations his family had always been friendly with the Jews they lived alongside.
So, they moved to Florida, where the climate was one they liked, and they were near Jews, where they could raise their grand children to get along with and like the Jews.
To do this, they had to sell the land they owned in Israel, and received only pennies on the dollar for it, as Arabs/Palestinians who owned land were not paid well for the land they sold to the Jews.
The sad thing, is that over the years, he had to "Pose" as Egyptian to keep most of the Jews from hating him. For some reason Egyptians were okay, but Palestinians were hated. He came to make sure his grand children did not hate the Jews, and they had to live a lie to not be hated by the Jews.
So, no matter how some Arab/Palestinian Muslims feel, there ARE quite a few who do like us. I have met a bunch here in Florida.
16
Mar 19, 2009 at 02:02 AM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ may there be this kind of peace in jerusalem
let nefesh bnefesh take their garbage and sell it to the dogs
seemingly the golus approach seems to work ”
What on earth are you talking about?
17
Mar 19, 2009 at 02:01 AM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ and they say all the arabs are bad ”
Who said these are Arabs? Does Imrie sound like an Arab name?
18
Mar 19, 2009 at 12:16 AM curious Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ And if they say that many heimeshe yiden will support this claim ”
Do you trust them I wouldn't trust them to watch my properties? How do you know what is up their alleyy. I am not saying they are bad I am asking if you trust them ?
19
Mar 19, 2009 at 07:15 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Do you trust them I wouldn't trust them to watch my properties? How do you know what is up their alleyy. I am not saying they are bad I am asking if you trust them ? ”
Yes!
Unfortunately, with all the Jews hating other Jews, especially the secular hatred for Chareidi Jews, I would sooner trust a goy, and Yes, even a Muslim.
I may not be Mister Frumkeit myself, but nothing makes me more sick than hearing fellow Jews bashing the Chareidim. Can't we respect them for doing what deep down we know we should be doing, instead of hating them for it?
When I hear that pure hatred, and I hear it in shul sometimes, I just want to slap the speaker in the face. But that would be wrong. So, I just politely say, "I am sorry, but I do not like to listen to fellow Jews being bashed." Then I turn around and walk away.
20
Mar 19, 2009 at 07:33 AM za003 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Who said these are Arabs? Does Imrie sound like an Arab name? ”
yes
21
Mar 19, 2009 at 07:49 AM thegratefulyid Says:Report as Inappropriate
through out History it was the Jewish and Muslim communities who for the most part had great relations
AND it was the Crisfians that caused all the world problems
Until the state of israel
22
Mar 19, 2009 at 08:09 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ through out History it was the Jewish and Muslim communities who for the most part had great relations
AND it was the Crisfians that caused all the world problems
Until the state of israel ”
Unfortunately, what you say is truth.
But, you need to be careful. Every time someone says that here, people love to throw up every time in history a Muslim was mean to a Jew.
But overall, throughout history, the Islamic world was kinder to the Jews than the Chr**tian world. I think even Rambam said so, (smile)
23
Mar 19, 2009 at 08:25 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
jews and muslims have a lot in common. It's great that some people can see past the differences.
24
Mar 19, 2009 at 09:03 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This animosity between Jews and Muslims is very new. Historically, we always had much better relations with Muslims than with Chrisitans.
25
Mar 19, 2009 at 09:22 AM PMO Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Many, Many Muslims are like this. But, in most countries THEY, the normal Muslims are frightened by the minority of crazies among their own. It is the crazies, or those who follow them, though they are a small minority, who have the guns, and means, and will to kill those who oppose them.
Also, they will kill the person or person's family of one of their own who opposed them. We cry out that Muslims around the world should speak out. But, how many of us would have the personal courage to do so. Once one speaks out, he has turned his entire extended family into targets. It could mean killing his own son or daughter, or both. Do YOU have that courage? I do not.
Therefore, I am VERY grateful to these brave people for their courageous act of speaking out. Their leader both a very courageous man, as well as a man who believes he can protect himself and his family.
I live in Florida, and have met quite a few very friendly Arab-Muslim and Palestinian-Muslim families. One family, in particular, moved from Israel to Florida, because the grandfather said back in the 50's, that he foresees that if they stay there, his grand children will be forced into hating his Jewish friend's grand children, and vice versa. He could not stand the thought of that, since for many generations his family had always been friendly with the Jews they lived alongside.
So, they moved to Florida, where the climate was one they liked, and they were near Jews, where they could raise their grand children to get along with and like the Jews.
To do this, they had to sell the land they owned in Israel, and received only pennies on the dollar for it, as Arabs/Palestinians who owned land were not paid well for the land they sold to the Jews.
The sad thing, is that over the years, he had to "Pose" as Egyptian to keep most of the Jews from hating him. For some reason Egyptians were okay, but Palestinians were hated. He came to make sure his grand children did not hate the Jews, and they had to live a lie to not be hated by the Jews.
So, no matter how some Arab/Palestinian Muslims feel, there ARE quite a few who do like us. I have met a bunch here in Florida. ”
That kind of courage is rare. Lets not forget that we often show a similar lack of courage in our community as well. Not to beat a dead horse, but look at the recent accusations of abuse. I personally know someone who was molested at a very prominent summer camp. There were even witnesses who made statements. All of them retracted within a couple of months. It was later learned (from 2 of the witnesses who are now adults) that their families had been threatened, their respective yeshivos had threatened to throw them out, and the family was assured that their children would never find a shidduch if they talked to the police.
A Muslim friend and I have discussed this in the past. The experience the same kind of intimidation in the their community when they speak out against violence and rebellion.
The actions of these Scottish Muslims is very admirable and I'm sure comes at a price. We should never overlook that, and accept their offer to help as a Kiddush H'.
26
Mar 19, 2009 at 10:23 AM curious Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Who said these are Arabs? Does Imrie sound like an Arab name? ”
I don't trust every jew either. Chaereid Chassidish Litvish yu name it. It has nothing to do with the type of chassidu it has something to with trust.
27
Mar 19, 2009 at 12:59 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
we have friends who use drugs
they have friends who will do mass carnage and they do force!
28
Mar 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM Rebekah Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is a very generous gesture on the part of the Scottish Islamic Foundation and one which should be welcomed by Jews and Muslims alike in Edinburgh. Many people do NOT know that the Jews and Muslims in and around Edinburgh have very good relations between their two communities. We have a very strong Edinburgh Interfaith Association and Edinburgh Women's Interfaith Group and through both of which organisations we have learned much about each other and our Faiths and traditions and we have great respect for each other and our different beliefs. There is much we share in the field of ethics and we know we still have much to learn. Let this good and kind offer be the beginning of a much greater respect, each for the other. Salaam aleycom, Shalom aleichem, Peace be to you all.
29
Mar 19, 2009 at 02:57 PM blabla Says:Report as Inappropriate
uh why dont we gaurd our own shuls?????
30
Mar 19, 2009 at 05:17 PM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ yes ”
What are you talking about? Are you just making stuff up out of your hat? When has anyone ever heard of an Arab named Imrie?
31
Mar 19, 2009 at 05:09 PM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Many, Many Muslims are like this. But, in most countries THEY, the normal Muslims are frightened by the minority of crazies among their own. It is the crazies, or those who follow them, though they are a small minority, who have the guns, and means, and will to kill those who oppose them.
Also, they will kill the person or person's family of one of their own who opposed them. We cry out that Muslims around the world should speak out. But, how many of us would have the personal courage to do so. Once one speaks out, he has turned his entire extended family into targets. It could mean killing his own son or daughter, or both. Do YOU have that courage? I do not.
Therefore, I am VERY grateful to these brave people for their courageous act of speaking out. Their leader both a very courageous man, as well as a man who believes he can protect himself and his family.
I live in Florida, and have met quite a few very friendly Arab-Muslim and Palestinian-Muslim families. One family, in particular, moved from Israel to Florida, because the grandfather said back in the 50's, that he foresees that if they stay there, his grand children will be forced into hating his Jewish friend's grand children, and vice versa. He could not stand the thought of that, since for many generations his family had always been friendly with the Jews they lived alongside.
So, they moved to Florida, where the climate was one they liked, and they were near Jews, where they could raise their grand children to get along with and like the Jews.
To do this, they had to sell the land they owned in Israel, and received only pennies on the dollar for it, as Arabs/Palestinians who owned land were not paid well for the land they sold to the Jews.
The sad thing, is that over the years, he had to "Pose" as Egyptian to keep most of the Jews from hating him. For some reason Egyptians were okay, but Palestinians were hated. He came to make sure his grand children did not hate the Jews, and they had to live a lie to not be hated by the Jews.
So, no matter how some Arab/Palestinian Muslims feel, there ARE quite a few who do like us. I have met a bunch here in Florida. ”
Nice story, but this bit is not true: "To do this, they had to sell the land they owned in Israel, and received only pennies on the dollar for it, as Arabs/Palestinians who owned land were not paid well for the land they sold to the Jews." On the contrary, Jews paid and still pay top dollar to Arabs for land in Israel.
32
Mar 19, 2009 at 05:07 PM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Unfortunately, what you say is truth.
But, you need to be careful. Every time someone says that here, people love to throw up every time in history a Muslim was mean to a Jew.
But overall, throughout history, the Islamic world was kinder to the Jews than the Chr**tian world. I think even Rambam said so, (smile) ”
No, it is not true. Overall the Moslem record of antisemitism has been no better than the Christian one. Starting with Mohammed himself, who was a bloodthirsty robber, rapist, and massacrer of Jews. At least Christians can say that their founders were good people, and the later persecutors were not following in their footsteps; Moslems can make no such claim.
And no, the Rambam did not say it, and certainly wouldn't say it considering the persecution he himself experienced from Moslems.
33
Mar 19, 2009 at 07:12 PM Sammy Says:Report as Inappropriate
Have you seen Martin Luther's book "On Jews and their Lies"?? Luther is the founder of the Protestant Church. Hitler credits Luther in Mein Kampf as being his inspiration .
The Pope and the Bishops who instituted the Auto de Fe during the Inquisition were not very good Christian leaders in my opinion.
Don't forget the mass expulsions, forced conversions and mass murders of European Jews in the seventh century which were encouraged by Christian leaders in retribution for killing Jesus.
Today there is a Pope who has reinstated the Old Latin Mass with its prayer for the conversion of the "perfidious Jews".
How many millions of Jews have died in the name of Jesus? And how many millions were never born?
34
Mar 19, 2009 at 10:54 PM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Have you seen Martin Luther's book "On Jews and their Lies"?? Luther is the founder of the Protestant Church. Hitler credits Luther in Mein Kampf as being his inspiration .
The Pope and the Bishops who instituted the Auto de Fe during the Inquisition were not very good Christian leaders in my opinion.
Don't forget the mass expulsions, forced conversions and mass murders of European Jews in the seventh century which were encouraged by Christian leaders in retribution for killing Jesus.
Today there is a Pope who has reinstated the Old Latin Mass with its prayer for the conversion of the "perfidious Jews".
How many millions of Jews have died in the name of Jesus? And how many millions were never born? ”
Don't exaggerate. Not even a million. For every Christian atrocity or episode of persecution, there has been a Moslem one as well; their records are equally stained. How many Jews were massacred by Mohammed himself and his hordes? Expelled by the Almohades? Forcibly converted in Meshad? Subjected to blood libel in Damascus? Crammed into mellahs, made to wear distinguishing badges, subjected to economic restrictions, confiscatory taxes and imposts, forbidden to own land, and in general treated as the barely-tolerated dhimmis that they were? What was it that drove the Baghdadim to Bombay? What impelled Temanim to walk all the way from Yemen to Jerusalem in the 1880s?
For every era of hospitality by a Moslem ruler, one can find its equal in Christendom. You tell me about Ottoman Turkey in the 16th century, and I'll tell you about Poland for almost all of its history, from the 14th century until the turn of the 20th.