HUMZA Yousaf has met with representatives of the Jewish community at Bute House to discuss their concerns about antisemitism amid Israel's war on Gaza.
The First Minister also welcomed Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, to his Edinburgh residence to talk about the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Yousaf shared photos on social media of him in discussion with representatives from the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and the Glasgow Jewish Rep Council as he stressed Scotland stands "united against antisemitism".
He said they talked about fears around antisemitism and the anxiety the Jewish community is feeling amid rising tensions sparked by the war.
READ MORE: Major pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Glasgow this weekend
Some religious leaders have spoken to the media in recent weeks about an apparent rise in antisemitic feeling since Israel declared war on Hamas.
Yousaf said he had talked about ways the Scottish Government could work with Jewish communities and other faith groups to strengthen cohesion.
He tweeted: "I was pleased to be able to meet with representatives of Scotland's Jewish community this morning.
"They spoke powerfully about the fear and anxiety our Jewish community feels. There can be no safe space in Scotland for hatred of any kind. We stand united against antisemitism."
Members of the community in Giffnock - home to Scotland’s biggest single Jewish community with its own synagogue - have said many residents are feeling anxious as the conflict in the Middle East escalates.
READ MORE: Scottish pro-Palestine activist has charges dropped after arrest
Sammy Stein, chair of the Scottish Friends of Israel and a member of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, told The National's sister paper the Barrhead News: "The Jewish people living here are now quite afraid of what might happen to them."
Militant group Hamas carried out border raids on Israel on October 7, during which around 1200 people were killed.
This led to a heavy response by the Israeli military, with thousands of Palestinians dying as a result of attacks on Gaza.
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza has sparked global calls for an end to violence in the region.
Major protests have been held across Scotland calling for a ceasefire, with the Scottish Government set to lead a debate on the matter next Tuesday.
A pro-Palestine demonstration has been organised at Glasgow Green this Saturday at 1pm.
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