The sister of one of the Scottish victims of the Hamas attack against Israel a year earlier has spoken about the “thorn” in her heart caused by his death.
Bernard Cowan was among the 1,200 victims of 7 October’s attack. He was shot outside the home that he shared with family members on Kibbutz Sfa.
Laura Schosloff told the BBC that his family is “broken” and “missing a wonderful man” after his death.
She expressed her hope that Israelis would be able live in harmony with Palestinians and Lebanese.
Mr Cowan, who died at the age of 57, grew up in Newton Mearns. He attended Netherlee Primary School and Mearns Castle High School.
He was 17 when he moved to Israel and served in the military on Kibbitz Sufa where he met Margaret.
Ms Schosloff stated that he lived a “life of freedom” on the kibbutz. He was regularly gardening, scuba-diving and travelling.
He was with his wife at home when Hamas gunmen, armed with missile launchers and machine guns, arrived.
Ms Schosloff said on BBC Radio Good Morning Scotland: “Bernard lived a life of love.
“I have a big thorn today in my heart about what happened.
“He was so happy with his life, but he had a great passion for it.” He had a wonderful, happy life.
Ms Schosloff, who was apprehensive in the immediate aftermath of the attack, has spent the last year talking to people she’s met in both her professional and personal life.
“I told everyone what happened to Bernard, because it was so important for them to know the human face behind it. It’s our own.
“I love being Scottish. I am proud to be Scottish, British and Jewish. I love the Scottish. “I haven’t felt any bad feelings towards you.”
She said that she prays for peace to reign in the region which has been engulfed by fighting since the 7th October attack.
“I would love peace, but not only for the Israelis.” I would love peace for the Palestinians, Lebanese and Palestinians.
“I want people to return to their homes. 80,000 Israelis have been displaced. My friends and my family are also displaced, as are the Palestinians and Lebanese.
“I want them be able go to their homes, to raise their children, to be in a position to get a job, and to live in harmony with the neighbours.”
They’ll never forget them
Ms Schosloff, who was close to the Jewish community of Glasgow, said that they mourned Bernard’s loss together.
“The Jewish community of Glasgow is like a small village within a large city. Everyone knows everyone else. Bernard was mourned by everyone in our community.
“It is one of yours.” It’s a Glasgow boy and a Glaswegian boy who is proud to be Glaswegian.”
Ms Schosloff says she keeps Bernard’s memories alive by telling stories about him and recalling good times.
In his memory, the family planted a tree at the Jewish cemetery to pay tribute to his love for gardening.
She said: “It is important that we remember their memories, and they will never be forgotten.”
“Bernard won’t be forgotten. He will always be in my heart.”
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