Scotland – Jewish Burial Society Settles Religious Bias Suit

Scotland – A case against leading members of the Scottish Jewish community over the sacking of a Hebrew burial officer has been settled days before it was scheduled to reach an open legal arena.

The industrial tribunal was to be the first involving a Jewish individual claiming discrimination against a Jewish organization in Scotland.

Warren Bader, of Glasgow, claimed he was sacked by the Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society after he became involved with the Masorti Hebrew organization, a group that favours involving females in religious ceremonies.

The society denied Mr Bader was dismissed because of his part in bringing together a Masorti community in Scotland.

Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society, which organizes the community’s funerals, and Mr Bader, who as its former burial officer carried out the arrangements for the society, settled for an undisclosed sum, The Herald has learned.

Barry Cooper, spokesman for the GHBS, confirmed “that a compromise agreement has been reached”, adding that “the society’s position remains that his services were terminated for fair reasons unconnected with discrimination but the terms of the agreement prevent disclosure of details”.

He said: “The society is an orthodox Jewish organisation, but his membership of another denomination was known to us when we started using his services and was never an issue.

An initial hearing into Mr Bader’s discrimination claim decided the case should be heard at a full employment tribunal.