Israel Exhibition: Scottish Friend of Israel Ken Macintosh – in his own words

Ken Macintosh MSP, co-organiser with Scottish Friends of Israel of an exhibition on 'Israel's contribution to technology, science and medicine', has confirmed in press reports the purpose of the exhibition: to whitewash the crimes of a state.  While Palestinians continue to face house demolitions, land confiscations, killings and more, and while Gaza continues to live in the rubble of Israel's attacks last year, still under blockade - we are asked to celebrate Israel's scientific achievements!  And still some MSPs refuse to indicate their opposition to this PR exercise taking part in our Scottish Parliament on behalf of the state of Israel.  Contact your MSPs.

Ken Macintosh confirms in his own words the purpose of the exhibition:

"The purpose of the exhibition is very straightforward and that is to allow MSPs and others to see some of the advances in science and medicine which have come from what is often regarded as a troubled part of the world. We Scots have benefited from such discoveries but it is also the case that by offering a different and positive perspective, I hope this display will help challenge what I believe to be the often one-sided and hostile portrayal of Israel in the media and unfortunately occasionally in the Scottish Parliament itself.

It is impossible not to feel moved by the violence and pain experienced by too many across the religious and ethnic divides in the Middle East, but I do not believe it aids anyone's understanding of the difficulties or complexity of the situation to paint an entire country and an entire people in a single colour. We are all touched directly and indirectly by what happens in Israel and it is sadly the case that any increase in international tension or violence in the Middle East is often reflected in anti-Semitic and other unwelcome incidents amongst our own communities here in Scotland. This exhibition does not comment on that conflict other than to remind us that amongst the distress and grief there is also humanity, understanding, and a desire to contribute positively to human development."