SPF Statement on Anti-Semitism
The Scottish Palestinian Forum unequivocally condemns all forms of racism, including any verbal or physical expression of anti-Semitism.

Zionism is an inherently racist ideology, whether or not it is articulated in religious terms and justified on religious grounds. We recognise the historical and cultural circumstances in which Zionism emerged, and acknowledge the long history of violent anti-Semitism which preceded it. We nevertheless do not believe that the state of Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories is morally justifiable, or can provide any security against anti-Semitism in any part of the world.

We recognise and value the contribution Jewish people and communities have made, and continue to make, to our society and culture, and are committed to Scotland’s remaining a place in which they are respected and can flourish. We appreciate and support the commitment of several Jewish individuals and groups to the cause of justice and peace in Israel-Palestine.

We regard “Holocaust denial” as a manifestation of antI-Semitism. While recognising the right and duty of historians and other competent academics to interrogate the evidence of this and any other event, and to publish their findings and hypotheses in appropriate media, ideologically motivated and unsubstantiated claims have no place in academic or popular discourse.