An arts venue in Glasgow, which receives funding from Creative Scotland, an agency of the Scottish National Party (SNP), is facing accusations of anti-Semitism for its planned pro-Palestine event. The event, titled "Episode 12: From the Rivers to the Seas," features a slogan that critics argue advocates for the elimination of Israel. Advertisements for the event have appeared in Glasgow.
The venue, Tramway, is operated by Glasgow Life, a taxpayer-funded arts charity. The five-day program, scheduled from November 11-15, is described by organizers as an exploration of Palestine on a "planetary scale," aiming to "pluralise Palestine to unsettle colonialism everywhere." It includes discussions by artists, academics, activists, and writers on topics such as Palestine, colonialism, abolitionism, and social justice. The event also repeatedly references the "ongoing Nakba" and "genocide."
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized the event, stating, "This SNP council-run theatre peddles the poisonous slogan of Hamas terrorists by calling for the eradication of the state of Israel." He added that "all right-thinking people will reject this vile anti-Semitism which has become normalised in Scotland by ignorant SNP and Green politicians," and that the "inflammatory production… will put our Jewish community at even greater risk of abuse and violence."
The phrase "from the river to the sea" is interpreted differently by supporters and critics. Supporters view it as a call for Palestinian liberation, while critics contend it implies the elimination of Israel as a Jewish state. Jewish campaigner Elliot Davis described the slogan as "a phrase used by far-Right Islamist jihadists in lockstep with far-Left Marxists."
A spokesperson for Glasgow Life stated that the organization is committed to political neutrality and, while aware of the program's themes, did not request changes as similar discussions are occurring globally. The spokesperson also noted that the venue has previously hosted events for "Glasgow Friends of Israel," demonstrating inclusivity for all communities.
Arika, the arts group organizing the event, expressed gratitude for the support of its partners and funders. A spokesperson for Arika confirmed that Creative Scotland and Tramway were consulted before the public release of the project. The spokesperson added that the festival reflects Arika's solidarity with Palestinians, who they claim are experiencing "an ongoing genocide," and that the program connects the Palestinian cause to "broader international anti-colonial struggles." The event is set to feature contributors from Lebanon, Algeria, Brazil, Scotland, the United States, Korea, France, and Palestine.