Around one thousand people rallied against growing anti-Semitism in Stockholm on Sunday, including several members of the Swedish government and leaders of opposition parties.
The rally, titled ‘’kippah walk’’, was organized by the Swedish Jewish community in the wake of a series of anti-Semitic incidents in the country in recent weeks.
Lena Posner-Körösi, the head of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish Communities, said:“Despite the general elections due to take place in just over two weeks, leaders from all major parties have taken time to come here today. This Kippah Walk sends an important message: There is no way that Sweden will tolerate expressions of hatred and intolerance: not against the Jews and not against any other minority,” said Lena Posner-Körösi, who heads the Council of Swedish Jewish Communities.
Swedish Minister for Integration, Erik Ullenhag, who was among the marchers, said: “In the past years, Sweden’s Jewish community has sometimes felt lonely, especially when it was collectively held responsible for Israel’s actions. Today, we are here to show to our Jewish minority that we support them and that they are not alone.”
Israel’s ambassador in Stockholm, Isaac Bachmann, highlighted that presence of so many Swedish politicians at the Kippah Walk and said this was a strong statement of solidarity with the Jewish community. He expressed hope that the government would act upon this commitment.
Robert Singer, CEO of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) also addressed the rally and said : “Israel and its actions in Gaza are used as an excuse to besiege a synagogue in Paris, to shout ‘Jews to the gas’ on the streets of Berlin, or to attack people wearing a Jewish skullcap. None of this is acceptable, and it is high time that European leaders stand up against these expressions of anti-Semitism and take action.”
In recent weeks, a spike in anti-Semitic attacks and incitement against Jews could be witnessed in a number of European countries, including Sweden.
The synagogue of the city of Malmö synagogue was vandalized for the third time this year, swastikas were painted on Jewish homes and Jewish-owned shops, and Jews insulted on the streets.
The Stockholm gay pride festival became a focus for condemning Israel with slogans such as "Long live jihad" being shouted by participants. A manifestation against anti-Semitism which was to take place in Gothenburg was cancelled as the organizers feared for their own safety. In Uppsala, a woman was beaten in the city for wearing a Star of David.