A CASE against leading members of the Scottish Jewish community over the sacking of a Hebrew burial officer has been settled days before it was scheduled to reach an open legal arena.
The industrial tribunal was to be the first involving a Jewish individual claiming discrimination against a Jewish organisation in Scotland.
Warren Bader, of Glasgow, claimed he was sacked by the Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society after he became involved with the Masorti Hebrew organisation, a group that favours involving females in religious ceremonies.
The society denied Mr Bader was dismissed because of his part in bringing together a Masorti community in Scotland.
Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society, which organises the community’s funerals, and Mr Bader, who as its former burial officer carried out the arrangements for the society, settled for an undisclosed sum, The Herald has learned.
Barry Cooper, spokesman for the GHBS, confirmed “that a compromise agreement has been reached”, adding that “the society’s position remains that his services were terminated for fair reasons unconnected with discrimination but the terms of the agreement prevent disclosure of details”.
He said: “The society is an orthodox Jewish organisation, but his membership of another denomination was known to us when we started using his services and was never an issue.
“As is often the case, it was thought financially prudent to settle the claim prior to the tribunal to avoid further legal costs in preparing the case and at a hearing scheduled to last five days.”
An initial hearing into Mr Bader’s discrimination claim decided the case should be heard at a full employment tribunal.
The 49-year-old lost his job within weeks of setting up Masorti Scotland and he says the organisation’s perceived liberality was the reason.

Mr Bader said: “GHBS have now made a financial settlement of my claim and as such the scheduled employment tribunal hearing will no longer proceed.
“I am satisfied with the terms of the settlement and feel that my position has been vindicated in full.”