Burns - with a difference

I was invited a long time ago to give the "Immortal Memory" at an event called the "Rabbi Burns Supper" organised by members of the Glasgow Jewish Community. I was told it would be "Burns - with a difference "

And so it was , but in the best possible way for the whole evening was very well attended, wonderfully hospitable, extremely entertaining , hugely imaginative and passionate about Burns and Scotland.

This is Mark Cohen addressing the Haggis - a kosher haggis of course which was delicious. Mark runs a long established Kosher deli in Glasgow and during the evening I learnt a fair bit from various people about the roots of the community in Scotland , about the current difficulties it faces and about the increase in anti-Semitic behaviour it is witnessing.

Over the years I have worked with some of the community leaders on aspects of that problem in education and particularly with Ephraim Borowski who invited me to give tonight's toast and who is their strongest advocate and worker . Alas he has just been in hospital in London and was not able to be at the event.

But his long term message was repeated to me several times and in several ways , most notably at the end when one of the organisers said to me " remember we are proud Jews but proud Scots too". That was the message everyone wanted to get across and it is one worth remembering and ensuring others know.

The evening certainly proved it - and it was great fun as well.