On the shirts, there was also a number similar to a prisoner number next to the Star of David. The incident occurred in connection with a demonstration at lunchtime on Friday in Vänortsparken.
Below the dolls, there was a doll or person with a keffiyeh, also called a Palestinian scarf. In the person's arms was a doll that resembled a baby. "A genocide is a genocide is a genocide" was written above and next to it stood two Palestinian flags.
The picture of the dolls was posted on social media by an activist group, but was later removed. The group writes in a statement on social media that it is a art installation by a freelance artist. And that they "were neither the organizer nor had a participating role in the planning or execution of the installation", but that they posted a picture.
The purpose of the installation was presented as "to draw parallels between two horrific genocides and highlight the message that it is unacceptable, regardless of who is affected".
"Criticism was raised that the picture is perceived as anti-Semitic. We want to be very clear that it is absolutely nothing we stand behind, think or want to be associated with", the group writes further.
Report
The police have received at least one report of incitement against a ethnic group. There is no suspect in the case.
We will hand over the case to the Chancellor of Justice (JK) on Monday, says the police's press spokesperson Maria Linnè and adds that it is routine in such cases.
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch (The Christian Democrats) comments on the incident in a post on the platform X:
"Anti-Semitism has long been masked as 'Israel criticism', but this goes far beyond all boundaries". Further, she writes that "to downplay and ridicule the Holocaust is completely unacceptable".
"Inappropriate"
Hans Lindberg (The Social Democrats), chairman of the municipal board in Umeå, saw the picture on Saturday morning.
It is inappropriate and it is good that the police will investigate this now, he says to Expressen.
In the post on X, Busch also writes that Umeå "risks becoming unsafe for Jews and a haven for anti-Semites".
I think you should never accept that anti-Semitism grows stronger and that discussions are now starting is great. The police will investigate now so we'll see, but it will probably land in that we need to do more against anti-Semitism, just like many other cities, says Lindberg to the newspaper.
According to social media, the group is planning a new demonstration on Saturday, then at Rådhustorget in Umeå.
