Edward Isaacs told the Jewish Telegraph: "My view on boycotts generally - and on this one in particular - is that it is indiscriminate.

"If they are going to boycott Israeli goods, why aren't they going to boycott goods from other countries throughout the world whose records on human rights are deplorable?

"It does nothing to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East. What are they seeking to achieve by it?

"The suggestion that they would name and shame shops that do not take part in the boycott infers an element of blackmail which seems to be in line with the organisations who are driving this.

"It may damage the very good relations between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Glasgow.

Mr Isaacs added: "I'm concerned that the continuing campaign by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups to dehumanise and delegitimise Israel will lead to increased antisemitism."

Around 30 stores owned by Muslim and Asian shopkeepers in areas of the south side of Glasgow with large Muslim populations, such as Pollokshields, Govanhill and Pollokshaws, are taking part in the boycott with many displaying signs saying 'No Israeli produce sold here'.

The main targets of the campaign, led by the SPSC and the Friends of Al Aqsa Glasgow are Israeli fruits, particularly dates they say are grown in West Bank 'settlements'.

The SPSC is calling for "Jewish supporters of Palestinian human rights to join with us both generally and in this particular initiative in order to prevent Israel and its apologists here in Scotland aligning Scotland's Jews with Israel's crimes".

On its website, the SPSC has a cartoon of a woman shopping, with the caption "Buying Israeli goods means financing mass murder."