Debate on Kirk properties in Israel leads to heartfelt ‘Gestapo’ apology
A commissioner to the General Assembly apologised “unreservedly” to fellow commissioners for using inappropriate terminology just hours after the General Assembly adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and guidelines.
The delegate describing how his grandfather had been targeted and had his business appropriated in 1938 said that the “State of Israel had acted like the Gestapo to members of my family”.
But this led to an intervention by Josep Bouis, of the presbyter y of Dumfries and Kirkcudbright, who said people should “refrain from comparing the actions of a modern state to actions of the Gestapo”.
The Very Rev John Chalmers,conve nero ft he World Mission Council, also criticised the language used, saying “We need tob every, very careful in the way we describe things. While I am happy to support him, I have to distance myself from the way he described his understanding of the situation in Israel and Palestine.”
The exchange came after a discussion on the properties, including a hotel and a school for pupils of different faiths, owned by the Kirk in Israel.
The Kirk also supports a project which employs women who help harvest and produce olive oil which is used in the Kirk’s hotel.
The Very Rev Dr John Cairns from the presbytery of Lothian, said: “It is vital to retain the foothold we have on the shores of Galilee.
“Through the years our partners have urged us to retain the hotel and not put it on the market where it would be bought by Israeli interests.”
Discussion also took place about offering working placements to young people in Scotland to the Kirk’s projects in Israel, such as helping with the olive harvest, with the aim of encouraging interfaith dialogue.
This would come after alterations to provide accommodation.