Hope Triumphs Over Hate

Official Statement from Edinburgh Interfaith Association

following Hate Crimes and Riots in Southport, England and other Communities

Professor Joe Goldblatt

When I returned to my University desk and discovered a seven page anti – semitic letter addressed to me personally, it stung. I had never before received such a vile hate filled letter. I felt as if someone had punched me deeply into the stomach and that my fragile soul had been permanently injured. And the sender witheld his, her or their name so I could not even engage in a positive dialogue.

Perhaps that is why when I learned of the deaths of three children and the critical injuries of many more followed by riots throughout the United Kingdom that once again I was left feeling just as I did when I was personally attacked. However, in this case, I have also discovered that my fragile soul actually is much stronger and more hopeful that I ever imagined.

The hate filled riots were soon replaced with dozens of Hope Over Hate rallies held throughout our country with thousands in attendance and they were so successful that those espousing hate stayed far away. This proved to me that throughout our country and indeed the world, love may be more powerful than hate.

Despite the challenges we face with anti – semitism, islamophobia, homophobia, other minorities, and individuals who are opposed to our welcoming asylum seekers and refugees, there are many of our friends and neighbours who have heard the rallying cry for compassion and love and I believe that their voices will be louder and last longer than any emotionally charged hate filled riot participant.

This is why the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, the oldest association of its kind in Scotland immediately published a statement thanking those individuals of good heart whose positive actions provided the hope we needed to turn civic disorder into civic order and pride. The statement, signed by our civic and faith leaders and many others, also condemned discrimination and hate crime and reminded our community that hope is a much stronger power than hate and that love may indeed conquer evil.

As I watched mobs set police cars on fire and attack places of worship and hotels that housed asylum seekers I was once again reminded of the despair I felt deep in my soul when I too was once attacked by an anonymous evil individual. Now, that this statement has been published and signed by many others I too have hope slowly rising from the darkness of evil, love and hope may once again become the new norm to restore faith in one another. I believe this demonstrates clearly that when good people work together for a positive purpose, no one shall defeat us.

Signatories to Edinburgh Interfaith Association Statement

Professor Joe Goldblatt is a member of the Jewish people and is Chair of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association. His views are his own. For more information about his views visit www.joegoldblatt.scot