MEMBERS of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities came together to celebrate diversity at an event in the City Chambers following Holocaust Memorial Day.

The multi-faith event was organised by the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council demonstrated that despite the rise in hate crime, people of different faiths can still stand in solidarity against discrimination.

Among the guests, of which there were more than 300, were Glasgow’s new Lord Provost Philip Braat, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. There were also representatives from Israel, India, Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

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Danielle Bett of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council said: “With the increase of hate crime in the last two years, we wanted to celebrate diversity.

“We wanted to illuminate the positive side of that and show that we are part of Glasgow.

“Yes, we are Jewish and Scottish, but we are also Glasgow centric. Being welcomed by the Lord Provost can build and develop that bridge.”

Speaking at the event Lord Provost Philip Braat said that the city was proud to support the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and its work.

Mr Braat said: “Glasgow is proud of its reputation as a multi-cultural and friendly city. However, I do acknowledge that sadly, this is not everyone’s experience.

“As we all know, hate crime globally is on the rise so it is more important than ever that we stand together across our communities and cities and peacefully challenge that unacceptable behaviour.”

Monday, January 27 saw Holocaust Memorial Day take place across the UK and remember those who suffered under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

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The 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz was also marked. The Lord Provost attended the annual schools Holocaust Memorial Day event where holocaust survivor Janine Webber and Genocide survivor Hasan Hasanovic gave moving and powerful testimonies.

Mr Braat continued: “It is exactly those testimonies, among many others, that underline precisely why it is imperative that we stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity against discrimination, bigotry, hatred and ignorance in every form and wherever they may appear.

“As Lord Provost, I am here to reach out to and support all our citizens. It is my honour but also my duty and responsibility to help them flourish.

“It is during challenging times that the compassion of those working hard within our multi-faith society – whether across our own communities or abroad – make us eternally thankful and proud for all that they do.

“I am proud Glasgow is recognised as a welcoming city and I am proud that people from different faiths are working together in fellowship.”