Jews in Sweden are worried that the war between Israel and Hamas will increase anti-Semitism. A concern that is justified, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Now they want to tighten security.
– There is a very obvious risk that this will have consequences in Sweden as well, he says to TV4 Nyheterna.
On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited the Jewish congregation in Malmö. After the terrorist organization Hamas’ attack on civilians in Israel, fear among Swedish Jews has increased.
– Many Jews in Sweden, not least in Malmö, feel a strong concern about what might happen. Threats that may be directed at them and their children. We have to take this very seriously, says Ulf Kristersson to TV4 Nyheterna.
In Malmö, people are worried that the war between Israel and Hamas will increase anti-Semitism – and have therefore increased security.
Canceled outdoor activities
Jewish preschools in Stockholm have had to cancel outdoor activities to ensure safety.
– We have allocated money for physical security. This means that Jewish schools, congregations and synagogues must be protected in a good way. The parishes themselves have advanced security work and this must be supported by the Swedish police, says Kristersson.
The Prime Minister believes that the concern for consequential consequences is justified.
– When an extreme situation like the one that Hamas has created in Israel happens, then we have to be on our toes in Sweden. There is an obvious risk that this will have consequences in Sweden as well, he says.