Members of East Renfrewshire’s Jewish community say they are living in fear following the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

Militant group Hamas carried out border raids on Israel on October 7, during which around 1,200 people were killed.

This led to a swift response by the Israeli military, with thousands of Palestinians dying as a result of attacks on Gaza.

The military offensive has led to protests in Glasgow and elsewhere over the number of civilians who have lost their lives and the need for more humanitarian aid.

Giffnock is home to Scotland’s biggest single Jewish community, with its own synagogue, and many residents are said to be feeling anxious as conflict in the Middle East escalates.

Sammy Stein, chair of the Scottish Friends of Israel and a member of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, told the Barrhead News: “Everybody was shocked by the events of October 7.

“People can’t believe what happened that Saturday morning in Israel.

“The Jewish people living here are now quite afraid of what might happen to them.

“However, we have had a lot of support from people in East Renfrewshire, which has been reassuring.”

Mr Stein, 77, also said members of the Jewish community in East Renfrewshire have felt intimidated by pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have taken place in recent weeks.

“I support the right of the Palestinian people to have a homeland but these marches have had horrific chants and slogans,” he added.

“It is getting more and more intimidating for Jewish people. They are really afraid of what might happen to them.

“Many are not going out, many are not displaying any external visible signs that might identify them as Jewish.”

On Sunday night, around 100 local Jewish people, including Mr Stein, attended a meeting at the synagogue in Fenwick Road, Giffnock, as part of a fundraiser for Unite Hatzala, which is the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross.

They were also shown “distressing” footage of the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Mr Stein said: “There is real trepidation in the Jewish community, which means trying not to get involved in any situation.

“Some of us are determined to be out on the street and show we are not afraid. However, the majority are very worried and nervous about what is happening at the moment.”

Mr Stein also said members of the Jewish community are concerned about disorder that has been taking place elsewhere in the UK.

“At the moment, all people are seeing is pictures of the bombings in Gaza and they are forgetting what happened on October 7,” he added.

“That is very upsetting.”

First Minister Humza Yousaf spoke to the congregation at the Giffnock synagogue last month to offer reassurance to members of the Jewish community.

One of the victims of the October 7 attacks was 57-year-old East Renfrewshire man Bernard Cowan.

He was originally from Newton Mearns but settled in Israel with his wife and three children some years ago.