The Government is launching a national strategy for the first time to combat anti-Semitism and strengthen Jewish life.
To be able to live an open and free Jewish life in Sweden should be a matter of course, but many Jews describe anti-Semitism today as the single largest obstacle, says Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M) at a press conference.
Since Hamas' large-scale terrorist attack on Israel and Israel's subsequent war, anti-Semitism has flared up in Sweden.
"Not succeeded in protecting"
Hate crimes against Jews have increased sharply, and attacks have been directed against the Israeli embassy in Stockholm.
Jakob Forssmed calls the development unacceptable.
We have not succeeded well enough, he says.
More efforts are needed for Jews to feel safe and be open about their identity without being exposed to hate, threats, and violence.
The ten-year strategy includes three central parts: more knowledge and education about Jewish life, an investment in cultural heritage, and efforts to increase security.
Schools are important
Targeted measures against groups or environments where anti-Semitism is particularly strong may also be needed, according to Forssmed.
Here, it's about developing tools in the school environment, and it's clear that anti-Semitism can look different depending on which area the school is located in and what conditions exist.
The strategy is also linked to several assignments. For example, the Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) will map how common anti-Semitism is on the internet.
This is something we see is increasing, says Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson (L).
It takes on new forms all the time, which is why it's important for FOI to continually strengthen knowledge so we can get away from these aberrations.
