The year 2023 marked a drastic shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its reverberations across the globe, particularly within Jewish communities. On October 7th, Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. This shattered any semblance of peace and stability in the region, ushering in a period of heightened tension and violence. The attack and Israel’s subsequent response had profound consequences for Jewish communities worldwide, including in Sweden.
In Sweden, the aftermath of the attack manifested in various ways, including demonstrations expressing support for Hamas and incorporating antisemitic slogans. These events, recounted by Aron Verständig, Chairman of the Jewish Central Council in Sweden, created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety within the Jewish community. While Swedish Jews maintain strong historical and personal ties to Israel, they are not necessarily deeply involved in Israeli politics, according to Verständig. Yet, the events in Israel had a direct impact on their lives in Sweden, amplifying existing security concerns and triggering a sense of vulnerability.
Security has always been a paramount concern for Jewish institutions in Sweden. At the Jewish educational and cultural center, Bajit, in Stockholm, stringent security measures are in place, including high walls, security glass, and metal detectors. Verständig poignantly describes his role as sometimes feeling like the chairman of a security company, underscoring the constant vigilance required to ensure the safety of the community. This need for heightened security was further exacerbated by the escalating violence in Gaza following Israel’s military operation, which led to the deaths of at least 24,000 people. This development drew sharp criticism internationally and sparked complex discussions within the Jewish community about Israel’s response.
Verständig expressed his personal anguish at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a catastrophe while holding Hamas accountable for instigating the conflict. He acknowledges the diverse range of opinions within the Swedish Jewish community regarding the situation, noting that while a strong emotional connection to Israel prevails, many are critical of the Israeli government’s actions. He emphasizes that most Swedish Jews do not closely follow Israeli politics under normal circumstances and feel distanced from the current Israeli government. While some express support for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Verständig believes they represent a minority within the community.
The complexities of the situation are further highlighted by the strained relationship between the Jewish Central Council and the Left Party in Sweden. The Council ceased inviting the Left Party to memorial events following revelations of antisemitic expressions and support for terrorist organizations by some party members. While dialogue has been initiated, the situation remains unresolved, reflecting the broader societal tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on political discourse. Verständig recounts stories of Jewish individuals losing friends and colleagues within left-wing circles due to differing views on the conflict, creating a sense of isolation and division.
Beyond the political sphere, the situation for Swedish Jews was further complicated by revelations of Iran’s alleged involvement in plotting attacks against Jewish targets in Sweden. The news that Iran had reportedly recruited the leader of a criminal network to prepare attacks against Israeli and Jewish interests, corroborated by both Israeli and Swedish intelligence agencies, heightened anxieties within the community. These events, coupled with other antisemitic incidents and heightened security concerns around the Israeli embassy, contributed to a pervasive sense of unease and vulnerability among Swedish Jews. Verständig highlights the implicit threat felt by many, leading to questions about their safety and visibility, such as whether they can comfortably wear a kippah in public. He emphasizes the problematic conflation of Israel as a political entity with the Jewish community as a whole, noting that antisemitic acts target Jews regardless of their stance on Israeli politics. Despite the challenges and anxieties, Verständig remains optimistic about the future of Jewish life in Sweden. He looks forward to the 250th anniversary of established Jewish life in the country in 2025, anticipating a year of positive celebrations and cultural events. The growth of the Jewish community in Stockholm offers a counter-narrative to previous predictions of its decline, signaling resilience and vitality in the face of adversity. The year 2024 undoubtedly presented significant challenges for Swedish Jews, marked by heightened security concerns, complex political debates, and the specter of international tensions spilling over into their daily lives. However, the community’s enduring connection to its history, coupled with a commitment to fostering a vibrant Jewish life in Sweden, offers a hopeful glimpse into the future.
