FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf sought to comfort the family of a Scot who died in the Hamas attacks on Israel on Saturday.
The First Minister attended a service of solidarity at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue in East Renfrewshire on Thursday, organised by the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and the Glasgow Jewish Rep Council.
Last night, @SCoJeC & @GJRCouncil joined together to hold a Service of Solidarity attended by over 500 guests.
— SCoJeC (@SCoJeC) October 13, 2023
We're grateful for all those who attended and shared words in support of our community, including @ScotGovFM @HumzaYousaf.
Read our report here https://t.co/zskSUjJiUm pic.twitter.com/juCeeoE0vQ
Speaking to the more than 500-strong crowd, the First Minister said: “Your grief is my grief.”
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf shares emotional video plea from mother-in-law in Gaza
The service was attended by Bernard Cowan’s mother, who was pictured embracing Yousaf during the service (below).
The family of Bernard issued a statement following his death.
The statement reads: “We ask for privacy at this time while we process this huge loss to our family, both at home and in Israel, and to the Jewish community in Glasgow where he will be sorely missed.”
According to the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, Yousaf – whose in-laws are currently in Gaza – said at Thursday’s service: “I stand in solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community, who have lost members of their community in the senseless and horrific attacks we witnessed last Saturday in southern Israel.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf says 'no justification' for Israel's evacuation demand
“I want to send my condolences to the victims and the families of all those affected by this desperate situation.
“At a time of great sorrow and sadness, I want you to be in no doubt whatsoever that I, and the Government I lead, stand with you and with all communities who are mourning the loss of innocent life.”
On Friday Yousaf posted on Twitter/X about his experience of meeting Bernard Cowen's mother, stating: "We hugged, we cried, and we promised to rededicate ourselves to peace."
Bernard's mother and family went out of their way to tell me that they would be praying for my family in Gaza. We hugged, we cried, and we promised to re-dedicate ourselves to peace and to be unequivocal; no innocent man, woman, or child should pay the price of another's actions. https://t.co/Vv1fz9gXqJ
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) October 13, 2023
Representatives from across Scotland’s Jewish community led prayers and spoke at the service, which was attended by other parliamentarians as well as civic leaders.
East Renfrewshire SNP MP Kirsten Oswald (below) said: “Our local area and our whole country is enriched in so many and varied ways because of our Jewish communities.
“But that same community is now in shock.
“Hurting and heartsore, and worried about family in Israel, about friends, and about what comes next as innocent lives are lost to the awful terror and violence.
“We are with you, we share in your worry and your sorrow, and we are here to support you.”
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