The Muslim Council of Scotland has pulled out of today’s Stand up to Racism march in Glasgow because of the participation of a pro-Israel group.
The theme of the march, which is expected to draw thousands, is “Stand up to Racism, Islamophobia and Anti Semitism; Refugees Welcome.”
But in a statement the MCS said that the presence of the Confederation of Friends of Israel (COFIS) was incompatible with the demonstration’s values.
“The march forms part of the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which was established in memory of the Sharpeville massacre in Apartheid South Africa in 1960. We were therefore disappointed to see that SUTR will not stand against apologists for Israeli Apartheid and Racism, in the shape of COFIS, who plan to join the march as they did last year.
“With this in mind and after listening to our members and affiliates, MCS regretfully withdraws from the Stand Up To Racism march in Glasgow on Saturday 17th. We reached this decision after much deliberation, debate and careful thought. Finally, we remain committed to building a strong and united front to fight all forms of Racism and will continue to work to do so.”
Meanwhile, in an article for the Times, Sammy Stein, chairman of Glasgow Friends of Israel, wrote: “For many years Israel-hating groups have had a free hand in the streets of Glasgow to demonise the state of Israel without challenge or reproach.
“They have been able to employ rhetoric that did not mention the word ‘peace’ or advocate peace for both peoples, which alone will solve the conflict.
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“So to those who seek to ban peaceful participants in peaceful demonstrations, I’d urge that for once you put your hatred aside and try to be tolerant of others you do not agree with.
“Why don’t we join together and march in unison, standing up to racism together? Put your hatreds to one side, let’s walk together in peace. It’s worth a try and we have nothing to lose.”
