Sweden must fix its growing anti-Semitism – opinion
In January 2020, some fifty royalty, prime ministers, presidents and parliamentary leaders came to Jerusalem for the Fifth World Holocaust Forum, where they stood in unity and solidarity with the Jewish people, paid tribute to the memory of Shoah victims and made a solemn and concrete promise to actively fight anti-Semitism .
National leaders and decision-makers around the world instinctively understood that the growing trends in anti-Semitism needed to be reversed through decisive action.
In the almost two years since the historic occasion, European governments as a whole have acted on this promise. Earlier this month, we witnessed the launch of the first ever EU strategy to combat anti-Semitism and promote Jewish life, designed to prevent and combat all forms of anti-Semitism, protect and promote Jewish life, educate, research and celebrate the Holocaust.
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This is an unprecedented and important document that will serve as a roadmap for significantly reducing anti-Semitism in and outside Europe. In addition, it is a commitment to the Jews of Europe that we belong and are an important part of the European future. The European Council, a few days ago, reinforced this message and called on all its institutions, Member States, international organizations, civil society actors and citizens to commit to a future free of anti-Semitism inside and outside the EU.
This was perhaps best formulated by a woman in her seventies, who testified about the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights’ 2019 report on experiences and perceptions of anti-Semitism. “I think Sweden was not anti-Semitic at all before, it has changed, that is what feels so difficult,” she said. “Nowadays, I am more reluctant to talk about my background. I’m worried about the future. “
The main force behind this renewed commitment is Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, who for the past seven years has listened to the concerns of the Jewish community, shown vision and leadership in the issue and made it clear that the fight against anti-Semitism is first and foremost a fighter for Europe’s values. This commitment culminated two weeks ago at the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Anti-Semitism.
As a guest speaker at the Malmö Forum, I can personally attest to the depth of Swedish officials’ sincerity when it comes to fighting anti-Semitism. The terminology used was largely never seen before, recognizing that anti-Israel rhetoric can be a manifestation of anti-Semitism and that anti-Semitism can come from both extremes, the left and the right, as well as from radical Islamists.
In addition, Prime Minister Löfven left the delegates in no doubt that the fight against anti-Semitism is at the top of the international agenda. “We are not looking for another declaration, we are trying to translate these principles in these documents into reality,” Löfven said on the forum. “I have therefore encouraged delegations represented here in Malmö today to present concrete measures to promote the memory of the Holocaust and to combat anti-Semitism.”
And concrete measures were put forward. Participating countries, technology companies and civil society organizations submitted a series of promises as a concrete result of the Malmö Forum, which will be followed up during Sweden’s presidency of IHRA 2022.
As someone who has been critical of the state of anti-Semitism in Sweden before, I can only welcome this new atmosphere and practical action that stems from Swedish officials. I believe that there is great symbolism in holding an international event to create new initiatives in Malmö to fight back against anti-Semitism, a city that has seen Jews driven out en masse. Still, it’s time for action now.
We need new tools for a new generation. Young people in particular, who have spent much of the last two years indoors and in front of screens, have become more susceptible to extremism and conspiracy theories. There must be a commitment to confront the issue, allocate significant resources, use new media platforms, develop effective counter-messages and strengthen education.
We know the problem and we have proposed solutions, now we must see these plans implemented so that the next generation of Jews do not feel the need to leave their homes and communities to feel safe and secure. Sweden has become a paradigm around this change of direction and acceptance that concrete action must be sought, and the atmosphere has changed if Europe is to be a safe place for Jews. I look forward to working with them again to end anti-Semitism in all its manifestations at home and abroad.
The author chairs the European Jewish Congress, the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation and the World Holocaust Forum Foundation.