Several of those who came to Norrmalmstorg on Tuesday say that it was a matter of course to go in to see the third candle in the Chanukkah lit – despite this weekend's terrorist attack on a Chanukkah celebration in Sydney, where 15 people were killed.
"It is very important to show solidarity. I am very happy that so many people have come," says Anna Gorsetman.
We must fight to show that we are not afraid. This good and bright thing must win. You cannot be afraid.
“Celebrate life”
Being in the picture is not something everyone who is asked to do takes for granted. Some say it feels unsafe because of the threat image against Jews.
But at the same time, this is the festival of light. It's about celebrating life and then you have to dare to celebrate life. If we hide, the terrorists win, says Louise Steinhoff.
She is there with her sister-in-law. They say they are used to police surveillance – the police have previously stepped up surveillance at Jewish sites – and that they are strengthened by seeing everyone else there.
At first I was unsure about going here, but I became convinced that we had to dare, says Rebecka Steinhoff.
Daniel, 50, describes the terrorist attack as shocking.
That as a Jew you become a target regardless of where you stand or what opinion you have – it's something that you become increasingly prepared for, he says.
At the same time, he is more concerned that anti-Semitism has become more widespread, he says.
We talk to our children regularly about the difference between being proud and being foolish.
Is it stressful?
Very stressful. And it's very tragic. That you can't just be who you want to be.
Survived Auschwitz
The third candle was lit by Leon Weintraub, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor who managed to escape death in Auschwitz.
Several cabinet ministers were in the audience and Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M), Minister for Civil Defense, gave a speech.
Liberal Party leader Simona Mohamsson also participated.
She says it was important to be there because she sees anti-Semitism growing.
On our streets, in our classrooms and in our workplaces. It must be met with the full force of society, she says.
Tuesday's ceremony was arranged by the Chabad association in Stockholm, part of the same movement that arranged the celebration in Sydney.
