Fury as SNP councillor shares photograph evaluating Israel PM Netanyahu to Hitler
An SNP councillor has triggered a barrage of criticism after sharing an ‘antisemitic’ picture on social media combining the Star of David and a swastika – with the get together below strain to sack her.
Catherine Victor, a member of Aberdeenshire Council, posted a photoshopped image on Facebook exhibiting Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, with a moustache harking back to Adolf Hitler.
Mr Netanyahu was depicted sporting a blue and white Nazi armband with a swastika protecting the Jewish Star of David image.
The picture was swiftly branded to be prejudicial towards Jews, and Cllr Victor has been suspended from the SNP pending an investigation happening, in response to stories.
However, the Scottish Tories say she needs to be booted out the get together altogether. Douglas Lumsden, Scottish Conservative MSP for North East Scotland, who known as the SNP the “Scottish Nasty Party” on social media, instructed the Scottish Daily Express: “I cannot imagine how any public servant would think vile antisemitic posts like this could be acceptable.”
He added: “Putting a swastika on the Star of David, with imagery of Hitler, is beyond offensive. The SNP must sack this councillor and find out how far this bile goes throughout their ranks, given it’s also been liked by another one of their councillors.
“There’s no defence that can be offered for this.”
The SNP is a signatory to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, although this is not endorsed by their coalition partners, the Scottish Greens.
The definition includes “drawing comparisons of up to date Israeli coverage to that of the Nazis.”
Cllr Victor has now eliminated the picture, in response to the Press and Journal. She stated: “The detail of a post and an image I recently commented on has been brought to my attention.
“Having checked out it once more I can see that it was unacceptable and offensive. I eliminated the put up and apologise unreservedly for any damage induced, and most particularly if I’ve induced ache to anybody within the Jewish group. I ought to have examined the content material extra carefully previous to sharing my ideas.”
It comes as Israel continues its attacks on Hamas in the Gaza Strip where there are warnings of a humanitarian crisis. Hamas claims over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli action, which was prompted by a shock attack on October 7.
The SNP has stated the allegation of antisemitism could be handled significantly and Cllr Victor had been positioned below suspension by the National Secretary whereas an investigation is carried out.