Jews reluctantly abandon Swedish city amid growing anti-Semitism
The Muslim population in Malmo lives in segregated conditions that seem to breed alienation and anger directed at Israeli policies.
By Donald Snyder, The ForwardMALMO, SWEDEN — At some point, the shouts of “Heil Hitler” that often greeted Marcus Eilenberg as he walked to the 107-year-old Moorish-style synagogue in this port city forced the 32-year-old attorney to make a difficult, life-changing decision: Fearing for his family’s safety after repeated anti-Semitic incidents, Eilenberg reluctantly uprooted himself and his wife and two children, and moved to Israel in May.
Sweden, a country long regarded as a model of tolerance, has, ironically, been a refuge for Eilenberg’s family. His paternal grandparents found a home in Malmo in 1945 after surviving the Holocaust. His wife’s parents came to Malmo from Poland in 1968 after the communist government there launched an anti-Semitic purge.
But as in many other cities across Europe, a rapidly growing Muslim population living in segregated conditions that seem to breed alienation has mixed toxically with the anger directed at Israeli policies and actions by those Muslims — and by many non-Muslims — to all but transform the lives of local Jews. Like many of their counterparts in other European cities, the Jews of Malmo report being subjected increasingly to threats, intimidation and actual violence as stand-ins for Israel.
“I didn’t want my small children to grow up in this environment,” Eilenberg said in a phone interview just before leaving Malmo. “It wouldn’t be fair to them to stay in Malmo.”
Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city, with a population of roughly 293,900 but only 760 Jews, reached a turning point of sorts in January 2009, during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. A small, mostly Jewish group held a demonstration that was billed as a peace rally but seen as a sign of support for Israel. This peaceful demonstration was cut short when the demonstrators were attacked by a much larger screaming mob of Muslims and Swedish leftists who threw bottles and firecrackers at them as police seemed unable to stop the mounting mayhem.
“I was very scared and upset at the same time,” recalled Jehoshua Kaufman, a Jewish community leader. “Scared because there were a lot of angry people facing us, shouting insults and throwing bottles and firecrackers at the same time. The sound was very loud. And I was angry because we really wanted to go through with this demonstration, and we weren’t allowed to finish it.”
Alan Widman, who is a strapping 6-foot-tall member of parliament and a non-Jewish member of the Liberal Party who represents Malmo, said simply, “I have never been so afraid in my life.”
The demonstrators were eventually evacuated by the police, who were not present in sufficient numbers to protect their rally. But some participants complained that the police’s crowd-control dogs remained muzzled.
The Eilenbergs are not particularly religious, but they have a strong Jewish identity and felt unable to live in Malmo as Jews after this episode. Eilenberg said he knows at least 15 other Jewish families that are thinking about moving away.
Anti-Semitism in Europe has historically been associated with the far right, but the Jews interviewed for this article say that the threat in Sweden now comes from Muslims and from changing attitudes about Jews in the wider society.
Saeed Azams, Malmo’s chief imam, who represents most of the city’s Muslims, is quick to disavow and condemn violence against Malmo’s Jews. Recently, he, along with Jewish leaders, have been participating in a dialogue group organized by city officials that seeks to address the issue. But Azams also downplayed the seriousness of the problem, saying there were “not more than 100 people, most under 18 years old,” who engage in violence and belong to street gangs.“There are some things I can’t control,” he said.
There are an estimated 45,000 Muslims in Malmo, or 15% of the city’s population. Many of them are Palestinians, Iraqis and Somalis, or come from the former Yugoslavia.
But the problem is not just Muslims, and not just Malmo’s.
A European Problem
A continentwide study, conducted by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence at the University of Bielefeld in Germany, released in December 2009, found that that 45.7% of the Europeans surveyed agree somewhat or strongly with the following statement: “Israel is conducting a war of extermination against the Palestinians.” And 37.4% agreed with this statement: “Considering Israel’s policy, I can understand why people do not like Jews.”
“[There is] quite a high level of anti-Semitism that is hidden beneath critics of Israel’s policies,” said Beate Kupper, one of the study’s principal researchers, in a telephone interview with the Forward, citing this data and a tendency to “blame Jews in general for Israel’s policies.”
Kupper said that in places where there is a strong taboo against expressions of anti-Semitism, such as Germany, “Criticism of Israel is a great way to express your anti-Semitism in an indirect way.”
According to Bassam Tibi, professor emeritus of international relations at the University of Goettingen in Germany, and author of several books on the growth of Islam in Europe, Muslims form a significant subset of this problem. “The growth of the Muslim diaspora in Europe is affecting the Jews,” Tibi said. Among some Muslim populations in Europe — though not all — “every Jew is seen as responsible for what Israel is doing and can be a target.”
In Malmo, this population’s role in the problem is seen as significant. Most of Malmo’s Muslims live in Rosengard, the eastern part of this de facto segregated city, where the jobless rate is 80%. Satellite dishes dot the high-rise apartments to receive programming from Al-Jazeera and other Arabic-language cable networks that keep Malmo’s Muslims in constant touch with the latest Arab-Israeli developments.
Sylvia Morfradakis, a European Union official who works with the chronically unemployed, those who have been without work for 10 to 15 years, said that the main reason that 80% to 90% of Muslims between the ages of 18 and 34 can’t find jobs is that they can’t speak Swedish.
“Swedish employers insist workers know Swedish well, even for the most menial jobs,” Morfradakis said. She added, “The social welfare concept for helping without end does not give people the incentive to do something to make life better.”
But Per Gudmundson, chief editorial writer for Svenska Dagbladet, a leading Swedish newspaper, is critical of politicians who blame anti-Semitic actions on Muslim living conditions. He said that these politicians offer “weak excuses” for Muslim teenagers accused of anti-Semitic crimes. “Politicians say these kids are poor and oppressed, and we have made them hate. They are, in effect, saying the behavior of these kids is in some way our fault,” he said.
According to Gudmundson, some immigrants from Muslim countries come to Sweden as hardened anti-Semites.
The plight of the Jews worries Annelie Enochson, a Christian Democrat member of the Swedish Parliament. “If the Jews feel threatened in Sweden, then I am very frightened about the future of my country,” she said in an interview with the Forward.
A Chabad rabbi’s experience
Because he is the most visible Jew in Malmo, with his black fedora, tzitzit and long beard, Malmo’s only rabbi, Shneur Kesselman, 31, is a prime target for Muslim anti-Jewish sentiment. The Orthodox Chabad rabbi said that during his six years in the city, he has been the victim of more than 50 anti-Semitic incidents. An American, Kesselman is a soft spoken man with a steely determination to stay in Malmo despite the danger.
Two members of the American Embassy in Stockholm visited him in April to discuss his safety. From Keselman’s account, they had good reason to worry.
The rabbi recalled the day he was crossing a street near his house with his wife when a car suddenly went into reverse and sped backward toward them. They dodged the vehicle and barely made it to the other side of the street. “My wife was screaming,” the rabbi said. “It was a traumatic event.”
Local newspapers report that the number of anti-Semitic incidents in Malmo doubled in 2009 from 2008, though police could not confirm this. Meanwhile, Fredrik Sieradzki, spokesman for the Malmo Jewish community, estimates that the already small Jewish population is shrinking by 5% a year. “Malmo is a place to move away from,” he said, citing anti-Semitism as the primary reason. “The community was twice as large two decades ago.” The synagogue on Foreningsgatan, a fashionable street, has elaborate security. Reflecting the level of fear, the building’s glass is not just bullet-proof, Jewish communal officials say; it’s rocket-proof. Guards check strangers seeking to enter the synagogue.
Some Jewish parents try to protect their children by moving to neighborhoods where there are fewer Muslims in the schools so that confrontations will be minimized. Six Jewish teenagers interviewed recounted anti-Semitic abuse from Muslim classmates. According to their families, though the incidents were reported to the authorities, none of the perpetrators was arrested, much less punished.
One victim was Jonathan Tsubarah, 19, the son of an Israeli Jew who settled in Sweden. As he strolled through the city’s cobble-stoned Gustav Adolph Square on August 21, 2009, three young men — a Palestinian and two Somalis — stopped him and asked where he was from, he recalled.
“I’m from Israel,” Tsubarah responded.
“I’m from Palestine,” one assailant retorted, “and I will kill you.”
The three beat him to the ground and kicked him in the back, Tsubarah said. “Kill the Jew,” they shouted. “Now are you proud to be a Jew?”
“No I am not,” the slightly built teenager replied. He said he did this just to get them to stop kicking him. Tsubarah plans to go to Israel and join the army.
Weak government response
Many Jews fault Swedish police for not cracking down on anti-Semitism. Most hate crimes in Malmo are acts of vandalism, said Susanne Gosenius, head of the newly created hate crime unit of the Malmo Police Department These include painted swastikas on buildings. According to Gosenius, police do not give priority to this type of crime. “It’s very rare that police find the perpetrators,” she said. “Swedes don’t understand why swastikas are bad and how they offend Jews.” According to Gosenius, 30% of the hate crimes in the Malmo region are anti-Semitic.
Members of Parliament have attended anti-Israel rallies where the Israeli flag was burned while the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah were waved, and the rhetoric was often anti-Semitic—not just anti-Israel. But such public rhetoric is not branded hateful and denounced, said Henrik Bachner, a writer and professor of history at the University of Lund, near Malmo.
“Sweden is a microcosm of contemporary anti-Semitism,” said Charles Small, director of the Yale University Initiative for the Study of Anti-Semitism. “It’s a form of acquiescence to radical Islam, which is diametrically opposed to everything Sweden stands for.”
A dialogue initiative
The situation has generated some points of potential light. Recently, Ilmar Reepalu, the mayor of Malmo, convened a “dialogue forum” that includes leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as city officials, to improve social relations in the city and the city government’s response to conflicts.
During an interview in his office, Imam Saeed Azams said it was wrong to blame Swedish Jews for Israel’s actions. The wheelchair-bound Azams stressed the importance of teaching young Muslims to stop equating the Jews of Malmo with Israel. But this seemed to include an assumption that Jews, in turn, should not permit themselves to be seen as pro-Israel.
“Because Jewish society in Sweden does not condemn the clearly illegal actions of Israel,” he said, “then ordinary people think the Jews here are allied to Israel, but this is not true.”
The imam is an advocate of dialogue with Jewish leaders, and welcomed the creation of the dialogue forum. Reepalu, Malmo’s mayor, has appointed Bjorn Lagerback, a psychologist, to take charge of the newly formed forum. And Sieradzki, the Jewish community leader, was optimistic about its prospects to eventually improve relations.
Reepalu created the forum in the wake of last year’s violence against the Jewish demonstrators and his own controversial remarks that angered Jews. Saying that he condemned both Zionism and anti-Semitism, Reepalu criticized Malmo Jews for not taking a stand against Israel’s invasion of Gaza. “Instead,” he said, “they chose to arrange a demonstration in the center of Malmo, a demonstration that people could misinterpret.”
Interviewed at Malmo’s city hall, Lagerback acknowledged an “awful situation” in Rosengard, where fire trucks and ambulances are often stoned by angry Muslim youth when the emergency vehicles go there. But like the imam, he hastened to add that those engaging in violence were a small number of young people. He attributed such behavior to living conditions of poverty, overcrowding and unemployment, as well as to cultural differences.
Swedish experts agree that integration of Muslims into Swedish society has failed, and this undermines the development of a more diverse society. Many pupils in heavily Muslim schools reject the authority of female teachers.
“We are Swedish but second- or third-class citizens,” said Mohammed Abnalheja, vice president of the Palestinian Home Association in Malmo. The organization teaches children of Palestinian descent about their bond to a Palestinian homeland. “We have a right to our country, Palestine,” he said. “Palestine is now occupied by Zionists.”
Abnalheja was born to Palestinian parents in Baghdad and came to Malmo with his parents in 1996. He has never been to the place he calls Palestine.
Meanwhile, 86-year-old Judith Popinski says she is no longer invited to schools that have a large Muslim presence to tell her story of surviving the Holocaust.
Popinski found refuge in Malmo in 1945. Until recently, she told her story in Malmo schools as part of their Holocaust studies program. Now, some schools no longer ask Holocaust survivors to tell their stories, because Muslim students treat them with such disrespect, either ignoring the speakers or walking out of the class.
“Malmo reminds me of the anti-Semitism I felt as a child in Poland before the war,” she told the Forward while sitting in her living room, which is adorned with Persian rugs and many paintings.
“I am not safe as a Jew in Sweden anymore,” a trembling Popinski said in a frail voice. But unlike others, she intends to stay in Sweden. “I will not be a victim again,” she said.
Contact Donald Snyder at feedback@forward.com
 |
The 15% of the city’s population that is Muslim lives mostly in one neighborhood, amid high unemployment. Malmo’s Jews report that many of the anti-Semitic inci- dents come from this sector. |
| Photo by: Drago Prvulovic |
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If all Jews were to leave Malmo, do you think malmo will be a better place to live in. I think not, Islamization of Sweden will begin very, very soon. Check on population growth, unemployment, etc by birth and religious belief and see the lopsided birth growth between muslims and 'Original Swedes'. Good Luck to Sweden and as a matter of fact the Europeans.
One word = paranoid. The world already know Israel is the real culprit. Israel makes Jews look bad, in reality Israel kill Jews, Israel is the root cause.
Seeking refugee from the Sharia law and mob rule by Muslims.
Let's face it Islam operates like cancer. Every country and/or culture it invades it ails and may eventually destroy, if the Muslim population is large enough. The swedes are afraid of the Muslims, they do not know how to handle them and they will suffer for this in the future as will the rest of western Europe. The Islam-Christian war is raging for the last 14 centuries and it is far from over.
and progressive Jews (women, men still rule) get arrested for praying at the kotel. As a secular Jew I feel proud and at home here.
If your Swedish then your country is Sweden, not Palestine. You would destroy your country, the country that took you in, gave you citizenship, for a country you don't belong to. This is about Islam, not citizenship.
Notice it's not the Athiests, Buddhists, Hindus, or Christians doing the antisemitism. It's Wahabi Islamists. Real Swedes and decent Immigrants must be disgusted by this. It's a assault on everything Sweden stands for.
I believe it wrong and misleading to blame the Anti Semitism upsurge in modern Sweden on the Muslim minority integration hardships. Agree that the latter population strata may be predominantly structured by the institutions and the information inflow from their Arab homelands. Nevertheless it is the genouinely Swedish, de facto normgiving, Rabiatly Anti Israeli intelligentia community whose position must be defined as Anti Semitism in the "acceptable disguise", that legitimizes and indeed enhances all expressions of the Muslim Anti Jewish hatered. I simply believe it is the Swedish majority that institutionally structures the way of thinking accepted within the minority, not the other way arround (Based on Hodgson 2004 and Veblen 1931). The so called "civilized criticism of Israeli politics" more often than not acquires the gist of pure and simple eliminationist Anti Semitism. The primary indignation is directed at the mere fact that it in modern era thanks to the State of Israel, is costly to kill and threaten Jewish persons. Sylvia Sztern-SempreLovingM.G.
Islam is a religion of hatred. It is a religion dedicated to the worship of an ancient Arabian moon-god and has always been hostile to all who are not Muslims. Why western people, nations and cultures open their doors to these people is simply a mystery. If it were not for the western world, these people would still be throwing rocks at each other. Instead the West has given and continues to give these people the ability to destroy us. It's insanity!
these people forgot what it is to live
Imam Saeed Azams states "Because Jewish society in Sweden does not condemn the clearly illegal actions of Israel then ordinary people think the Jews here are allied to Israel, but this is not true.” This is an interesting comment when one considers the failure of Muslim leadership to clearly condemn the actions of Muslim states / communities against people of other faiths. It seems that the Imam simply wants to shift the blame from the attackers onto the Jews. Clearly the Sweidish government is little interested in addressing the matter, and it would be better if Swedish Jews organised their departure from that state. Many Swedish voices seem the echo the frequent anti-Israel & antisemitic tones heard in Norway, its neighbour.
It's not just Muslim immigrants that are to blame, it's Sweden's government and their failed hands-off policy towards those immigrants. European governments are now too afraid to be labelled racist that they allow an almost free reign to Muslim gangs. Much of Europe is no longer a safe space for Jews and other non-Muslims.
About time Jews get some of their own medicine. Jews spread more hate and propaganda against Arabs and Muslims than other groups against any people. Most diaspora Jews support Apartheid Israel unconditionally same as the US does. Apartheid Israel takes advantage of this support to commit heinous crimes against defenseless Palestinians and its Arab neighbors. Most of the world hates Apartheid Israel for its brutal treatment and murder of the Palestinians, coupled with its land stealing and crimes against humanity. Any other group would turn against its government, but not the Jews.
Protest or get out. Swedes won't intervene if 15% of the population in Malmö is Muslim, anti-Semitic and vocipherous.
1. For probably being the first country since the Holocaust to let a small peaceful group of Jews be hounded from their homes. 2. For being so "liberal" and "tolerant" that you allowed a violent, hate-filled mob to continually harass and attack them. 3. For allowing the situation to get so out of control that your own forces are afraid to enter Muslim ghetto areas for fear of being attacked. Which European country is next in line?
The origin of all this hate is twofold - state sponsored anti-Semitism in the Arab world and the stupidity of the Left. Any so-called Left that cannot distinguish between a government and a people and in this case between the Government of Israel and the people of Israel is not a real Left. So that so-called Leftist politician is traitor - to his own ideals. 99% of the Left today fits into that category, which means that there is no Left left. And this too bad, given the economic and ecological state of the world today.
It's deplorable that muslims, whether youth or older muslims are ALLOWED to do as they like without fear of criminal prosecution. The EU has to bear the full brunt of the blame for the influx of muslim into Europe, I fail to understand the logic behind it. Do the unelected EU bureaucrats hate the indigenous of each European country that much that they set out to destroy them, which they have. When muslims have flooded enough of Europe and begin their quest for total domination of it do the EU destroyers actually believe muslims are going to bow down to the EU diktats that are forced on us, do they think they're going to be immune from the obvious violence that will follow when Europe-wide muslims are the majority. The EU 'suuposedly' wanted to stop another European war, what they have done is more than likely to be the cause of another one, only this time muslims against the rest. Politicans of all EU countries have colluded with the EU to dilute the indigenous of each country. They're nothing but treasonous individuals who should be held to account and tried & convicted. Where jewish people are concerned I am incensed at that for all they've suffered over the years that high profile jews like Mayor Bloomberg in the USA actively promotes hatred of a section of soceity he hates, smokers, yes, smokers. Not content with them being banned from public & private buildings he now wants them out of the parks, off the beaches, out of housing, banned from employment, sound familiar. Does this remind jews of a time past. Now I don't blame all jews for this campaign of hatred being aimed at smokers, but for heavens sake Israel has adopted this hatemongering policy after all that they suffered themselves under the nazi regime. Never do I hear Rabbis or high profile jews denouncing this policy, WHY. It's like the persecuted now don't seem to mind being joining the persecutors.
Muslim communities are taking over cities world wide and are engaged in a campaign of antisemitism and terror against Jews everywhere. This is nothing new, but has been getting worse and worse forcing Jews to leave cities they have lived in for centuries as the Germans did to the Jews not so long ago.
It is perfectly logical to infer from the rally in January 2009 that "the Jews" in Malmo favored and approved Israel's then-ongoing slaughter of Gazans (mostly Muslims) - otherwise why the rally? The rally was spitting in the eye of the local Muslims - and their reaction was well within the norms of rational human behavior. To infer "prejudice against Jews" is the weakest conclusion in this circumstance where resentment of the killing of kith and kin is the most powerful inference.
Unfortunately, until we will not see the muslim leaders in Europe, taking a strong stand and condemming their own people, that violence is not an accepted behaviour of expressing thier point of views, we will continue to see today antisemitic acts, tomorrow acts against other groups. They have to send a clear message, that for i.e, celebrating the fall of the twin towers with 3,000 people, or celebrating placing bombs at train stations in London or Madrid , or attacking jewish schools, are defined as repulsive acts.
It should be remembered that Malmoe in many ways represents a rust belt city. It used to be dominated by ship yards and heavy industry and now is in a transitional phase to a new economy. Unskilled jobs are hard to come by and that leaves more or less illitterate Muslim youth without any job choices. Lashing out at jews is unfair, disgraceful and prfoundly un-Scandinavian. However, these rootless young Muslims see the jews as representatives of Israel and its policies. It is more shameful that some left-wing Swedes choose to provide oxygen to the fire.
Don't you know that in the game of political correctness, a Muslem trumps a Jew? The highest card is a gay muslem in a wheelchair, that will trump them all.
Century Based Islamism. Sadly, Europe is the home of the UNHOLY TRINITY phenomenon in today's society, Sweden included of course.
This proves that Sweden is "a Has Been" country. The unemployed and illiterate Muslims have bled this poor place as has the other long-term welfare individuals. Swede deserves what is now is.
When will countries realize that muslims DO NOT want to assimulate to their culture? The goal of islam is to rule the world and destroy other cultures. They live in segregated conditions by choice, using these conditions to justify their terrorist attacks on innocent people. It is a shame that because of Europe's growing anti-Semitism its people will align itself with muslim terrorists and persecute its Jewish population once again.
How disgusting! People should not be held accountable for the actions of corrupt politicians. Also why is religious-background mentioned here? people who despise other people on the grounds of race don't fall into the category of being muslim as Islam believe it or not condemns racism just like any other Abrahmic religion! There have been many people throughout the ages who have justified deviant behaviour in the name of a religious pursuit. It is the same now! Corrupt people are using religion as a gimmick or a justification to behave in a disgraceful manner and that includes some of the people commenting on this article who have the audacity to make futile comments against certain groups of people.
i hope all the Jews leave Europe. they can go to Israel or the USA. either country welcomes the contribution of educated hard working people. there is a reason that 28% of all Nobel prizes went to Jews (with less than 1/10th of 1% of the world population) and less than 1% went to muslims or arabs (25% of the worlds population). yes Sweden trade your Jewish population for your muslim one. it is a wonderful thing to watch as Europe, the birthplace of modern Jew hatred, finally gets its wish to be judenrein. now the USA and Israel will benefit (as they deserve to) from this creative intelligent cultured people of the book. enjoy your mysoginist homophobic islamic countrymen. your future is with them.
Sweden has opted for an exchange of well educated and cultured swedes running away to Israel for the un-integrated uneducated and uncultured Muslim hordes. These Muslims could be taught an alternative from their mind-sets and culture that belongs to the middle ages, but Sweden is complacent. They will rue the day as they steadily build a fundamentalist enemy within
Why Not Make a Deal No more anti-semitism from non-Jews No more anti-goyism from Jews.
One or two incidents does not make a country with a "growing anti-semitism" problem that can only be solved with "Jews moving to Israel". How convenient. That's like arguing because a Jew in New York got mugged, he should pack it up and leave for Israel. Sweden is not 1939 Germany. This is all manufactured propaganda aimed at justifying and distracting the world from Israel's war crimes. You watch, each time the world is focused on Israeli war crimes, you get such news of "growing anti-semitism" from some location somewhere. A definite pattern that is getting tiresome.
If people are fearing for the safety of their children to the extent that they are packing up their lives and moving to a place where they are not faced with such levels of active anti-Semitism, it is not "manufactured propaganda." It is a very real and very scary issue.
I am a Jew from Malmo who made aliyah 4 years ago. I am well acquainted with the situation in Malmo and although there is a serious problem with anti-Israel sentiments in the city, the above description is grossly exaggerated. My parents and several of mine and their friends still live in Malmo and can also attest to that. I know most of the other Jews who made aliyah from Malmo and almost none of us made aliyah because of anti-semitism, but rather because of a dying Jewish community and a lack of oppurtunity to retain our and our children's Jewish identity in the future. The aliyah from Malmo is a matter to rejoice over, not to mourn, since it fulfills the generations long yearning for a return to Israel and guarantees the continued Jewish identity of the Malmo Jews who made this brave decision.
...and initiated comment to the article and to the discussion.
in Europe islamofobia is surely much higher than antisemitism, nonetheless Israel's image stands at the same level of Iran's and this has nothing to do with racism and a lot to do with what are perceived as rogue and warmongering leaderships Israel is actually considered a menace to peace because of last years aggressions and killing in thousands during clearly unjustified wars do not point the finger to Swedish, point it to Jerusalem
"Swedish experts agree that integration of Muslims into Swedish society has failed, and this undermines the development of a more diverse society. Many pupils in heavily Muslim schools reject the authority of female teachers"...........multiculturalism is a complete failure in all Western nations esp. Islamic immigration. So the Jews of Malmo have to publicly condemn Israel but it is fine for the muslims to publicly declare "death to Jews" or "death to Israel". The Jews are not the problem but the dysfunctional young men of Islam, their religion and their religious leaders. They are intolerant and should not be tolerated.
We Jews who are residing in different european countries had to go through so much because of the policies of Israeli Govenment. We are paying the price of the foolishness / stupidity and utter ruthlessness of Israel - The hatred which we are feeling for the whole jewish community is unseen and unheard . We will be forced to vacate the places where we were born and which we love with all our heart - I don't blame the local christians, moslems and others - they are taking their anger and frustation on us all because of the policies of Israel. I among millions of jewish people all around the world would like Israel to go back to the borders of 1967(before the war) and divide Jerusalem and have 2 states side by side. Who listens to us????
"the swedish governement should be accountable" Rather - "Swedish" media should be held accountable...
Time to start conflating anti-Israel with anti-semitism. The anti described was because of the polcies and practices of the country of Israel. A correct explanation of these events would have been to tease apart Israel from Jews. This unfortunate stew descries the need for clarity of state v. individual.
There is clearly a major issue with a large number of Muslims who believe it acceptable to use violence and fear to intimidate people in Sweden. Their government clearly need to do more to root out people who are propagating this hatred & violence. I suggest they re-exam all the clerics operating at Mosques, and Muslim institutions like schools and nurseries & expel or shut down those causing this breakdown in civil society . Consideration should also be given to banning & jamming broadcasts from satellite stations that propagate hatred. Unless the Swedish Government takes positive action many people around the world will view them as condoning antisemitism.
... knowing their affinity for violence, their refusal to integrate into local customs, to learn the language of their host country, their intolerance of women in authority, etc. It makes no sense.
that is the same what german jews said, and we know what happened to them. if they dont want to get out, than sooner or later when sweden becomes islamic it will be to late and the same goes for many other western european countries, jews dont seems to learn from history.and there is no doupt about it, western europe will become eurasia give it 20 to 30 years but it will happen.joseph theeboom
most Europeans(not all) have antisemitism in their genes, they get it with their mothermilk,
"rapidly growing Muslim population living in segregated conditions that seem to breed alienation..." It's the muslim culture, pure and simple, coupled with a natural propensity of euros to anti semitism. today it is the jews, who now have israel to flee to, tomorrow it is the rest of europe. The only way that europe will be able to save itself will be to repatriate the muslims.
Jewish citizens for centuries using anything available - Inquisition, Nazism, Mohammedanism...
How quickly they have forgotten what a real "war of extermination" looks like. There is no need to grossly exaggerate what Israel is doing, accurately describing it is fully sufficient to arouse near universal condemnation.
If your are a Jew and wish to continue living in Malmo, arm yourselves (see #63)so that you may kill those willing to kill you and at least, if you "have to go: take at least ten of your attackers with you. Don't give in, just see what the Haganah did before the establishment of the State of Israel.
The problem with Cast Lead is that the wrong people were killed. Instead of the innocents there should have been thousands if Hamas fighters done away with. Of course Hamas itself does not care about its own people and intentionally places them in positions of danger for propoganda purposes. The Israeli armed forces have become pathetically inept. Besides that Cast Lead was a justified operation that any country in the world would have carried out much earlier under similar circumstances. The Palesitnians So there. That is my opinion. I think it is completely valid given Palestinian actions against Israel. If you disagree with me then you are just soft in the brain.
The Swedes like to talk about how the saved Danish Jewry, but they would want you to forget how they also saved the Nazis sympathizers from the Baltic States, or . . . allowed the free passage of German soldiers through their nation on their way to Norway, or the way they acted, or perhaps, did not act as the Russians invaded Finland, "taking Karelia", leaving her Eastern neighbor with the task of patriating 400,000 Finns who preferred to live in their own country. Did I forget how Swedish steel mills provided their neighbor to the South, Germany with steel, in the days when that nation's steel mills were disabled. The bottom line is that Sweden played both ends of the stick, playin' the good guy and asssisting the bad guy. They came out smelling like roses, and it seems more recently they smell like attar of roses.
...right and in accordance with historical facts.
collective responsibilty towards jews is not the sole preserve of israeli linked matters. i can remember anti-semitic abuse from a now-doing-well business-man, because his previous boss had been a jew and, he claimed. He had been treated badly by that jew (as a jew?), so that any (or every jew?) was to blame, including I must presume Israelis was the logic. This in northern Britain, quite close culturally and geographically to Sweden, but without a very large mohammedan minority. Indeed I find the BBC's stereotyping of Israelis more than a little based on British Jewry archytypes.
The problem of 'Israeli policies blamed on Jews' in particular in European countries, could be easened by making more efforts to make the point that not all Jews blindly support the apartheid, the decades long disregard for UN resolutions, the use of fake passport to perform assassinations abroad (casting doubts on thousands travelling nationals from the countries of 'origin' of these said fake passports), the ethnocidal behavior of the army, etc. In this regard, Haaretz, by giving a tribune to a range of opinions among the redactors, and also through the talkbacks, is of help.
Anti-semitism is the fall back position of the morally bankrupt.
Yeah, as everywhere where it show its ugly face. But you can't adress anti-semitism to Swedes in general. An absolute minority of the Swedes are anti-Semites. That's a fact
big amounts of Antisemites and Islamophobes in Sweden. The main problem is however "the silent majority"
While anti-Semitism may be a regretable reality facing jews in Europe, it should alss be recognized that many legitamite critisicms by Europeans and the world for that matter against Isreal actions in palestine are often labelled as anti-semitism. EU and US Jews face a certain responsibility for Isreai actions and as long as they continue to support the rasicts and criminal actions of its rigth wing zionist goverments, then they will continue to lose support from moderates across the world.
You are blind to the crimes of one of the parties in the conflict. Perhaps you should take a closer look at your own distorted opinions.
well, then all muslims who don't condemn 911 or any al-quada terrorist masacre should be held responsible too. so, i guess this gives the free world the right to attack any muslim now. happy?
Why on earth should any jews outside Israel face certain responsibilities for Israeli policies? In reality what you are saying is that any muslim in Sweden is responsible for what is taking place in Iran, or Sudan for that matter. In other words the muslims have to suit themselves in case some drunk Swede found it right to beat them up since the Swedish guy doesn't approve of certain muslim states policies. Yeah this sounds like one sound policy, NOT!
Shaman. What nonsense are you writing here? There is just NO excuse to attack Jews (or Israelis; or anybody) anywhere, period. It is the Moslem society in Europe that is causing most of the trouble. A Moslem walking in Tel Aviv feels safer than a Jew in Europe surrounded by Moslems. Racial discrimination exists in all Moslem Countries; much less so in Israel. Get the facts right, pal.
I voice support for Israel's policies. That doesn't make more responsible for then nor does it in any way justify attacking my person because of my political beliefs. As individuals living in democracies we are socialized to understand the value of discussion over violence in political discussions. If you disagree with someone's views of Israel attacking them physically is not the means to win the argument. Moreover, attacking an entire community, Jews, because of the fact that they might have more support for a foreign country than the population as a whole is simply racist.
Well here it is, the very essence of PC so-called left antisemitism. Jews can exist, as long as they don't DARE to support the Jewish people's right to self determination. The Judenrat can exist, as long as it apologizes. You are a racist, and don't even know! The
Israel like all countries has its positive and negative aspects. But it must be recognized that so long as Israel's neighbors continue to discriminate against Israel, she will act to defend herself. We in the US strongly support Israel's right to exist and her right to self-determination.
Israel is a tiny tiny country, trying to protect itself from the enemy - whatever it may be. Why are these actions called crime? Point of view, really. Don't you find it a little strange that Turkey banned youtube right after the flotilla attacks? Al Jazeera was quick to point the finger our way, where in actual fact, we were the ones being beaten, without doing anything. Peace-ship my foot, you don't scream al uachbar for no reason. Either way, I'm so proud to be one of the chosen ones, it's no wonder they're so jelous of us. Jelousy is a tough burden to take upon one's shoulder.
Clearly, IKEA is against the Jews. Their written assembly instructions are so darn complicated that I cannot put their furniture together properly.
Put yourself into the mindset of a swede with the same retarded mental capacity that lets one's country be torn apart by radical Islam. Then you'll understand the instructions perfectly well.
since they are of course the only people smart enough to put the stuff together
I do not understand why people are anti-semitic but I gess it is like treating black people as a second class humans which isn't acceptable. We are all human beings and deserve to be respected
I'm no fan of Israel nor its policies but I'm shocked by this story. I would have imagined Sweden would have swiftly jumped on top of this and stamped it right out. Bigotry, racism and, religious intolerance have no place in the 21st century and that applies equally to everybody.
why shocked, it is on the increase in London and other places in the U K, not only the jews but the Christians as well. A thought, should we then target ordinary muslims because of the fanatical murderers who kill in the name of their evil allahs? Just a thought
and I am no fan of Australia and their racist ways...but if I were you I would put down my cell phone..not have an MRI..and not turn on my computer,all gifts from Israel, because you feel you are not a fan of Israel or Jews. I see that you are totally engrossed with the palestinian propaganda machine...things never change and never will. The uninformed come and go..haters come and go and the Jews are always scapegoated and on the short end of the stick.
I wonder if those whose attempts to delegitimize Israel include the targeting of Jews abroad realize that they are strengthening the very reason for its existence. Where else can Jews go when antisemitism raises its ugly head. If Israel had existed at the time of the Holocaust, millions of Jews would have been saved.
otherwise it would of made a most perfect extermination camp anyone could think up.
As long as the only thing we Europeans can offer the world is our 'culture' - and welfare - then we will struggle to improve the rates of positive assimilation. It is time we began to use terms like 'opportunity,' 'hope' and 'self determination'...until we do, the disenfranchised and alienated (who are by no means all) within the second, third and fourth generation will continue to radicalise and resort to violence and racism - of which anti-Semitism is unfortunately almost a default. It is important to add though that this problem is pan-European and I suspect as much of an issue in Israel as elsewhere (although there of course it is subjugated to the bigger challenge brought about by two competing cultures). It is an intolerable disgrace that such intimidation and persecution of Swedish citizens of any persuasion should be allowed. The problem is that there is no easy short term solution. As for the survey...
Due to preserve our continent , culture and freedoms we have to abolish tollerance and some personal freedoms we gave the islamic bombers as well.
As long as the only thing we Europeans can offer the world is our 'culture' - and welfare - then we will struggle to improve the rates of positive assimilation. It is time we began to use terms like 'opportunity,' 'hope' and 'self determination'...until we do, the disenfranchised and alienated (who are by no means all) within the second, third and fourth generation will continue to radicalise and resort to violence and racism - of which anti-Semitism is unfortunately almost a default. It is important to add though that this problem is pan-European and I suspect as much of an issue in Israel as elsewhere (although there of course it is subjugated to the bigger challenge brought about by two competing cultures). It is an intolerable disgrace that such intimidation and persecution of Swedish citizens of any persuasion should be allowed. The problem is that there is no easy short term solution. As for the survey...
you have to make a difference between being anti-israeli/anti-semit and anti-zionist. there is no antisemitism in Sweden. Criticising ısrael for its brutal crimes is natural not only for swedes but for everyone else. Sweden is a great country.
Like other areas of Europe, Sweden is overrun by Muslims who can't just come to live in a country and accept its way of life. The Muslims must make the lives of the host country miserable with their thuggish mentality. Woe unto Europe, that wants tolerance with groups who are intolerant and violent. France and Britain will never be the same, and Europe as a whole will be dragged into the sewer of Islamic intolerance. I bet Europeans wish they could turn back the clock and cleanse themselves of a people who contribute nothing, EXCEPT mayhem. Tata, Europe.
Being Swedish I would agree that there is no anti-semitism among the general Swedish population. Among the muslim immigrants as well as among the extreme left and the left media there is no doubt a lot of anti-semitism. A lot of the leftist media are not as outspokenly anti-semitic as the immigrants but are threading a very thin line between anti-semitism and anti-Israeli positions. As for criticising Israel I can't wait for the Swedish media and left wing fanactics to go overboard and spew hatred and propaganda when the next murderous clampdown on democratic demonstations in Iran, Saudi etc will take place. Naturally it won't happen but maybe you yourself "Visitor" will set a good example and argue sternly against some dicatorial countries when it happens next time, which won't be long.
There is no excuse to let folks in your (Swedish) Streets assault others (in this case Jews) and stand idly by. You might think that Israel commits brutal crimes but others (myself included) beg to differ. You seemingly have no problem with the incessant rocket fire from Gaza directed at Israels' population. Would Sweden have tolerated such terror coming from Norway or Denmark? Sweden might be a 'great' country but their folks (like you) are biggots and hate Jews for one reason > because they are Jews and traditionally were striving to excel in all. Crawl back under the rock where you belong.
Most of what was described in the article is clearly anti-Semitic, not anti-Israel nor anti-Zionist. Examples from the article. - Painting swastikas on a Synagogue - Passing a Rabbi and his wife crossing the street then backing up to try to run them over, or for terror purposes. - Walking out on classes about the holocaust of WWII I don't know about you, but I cannot discern a Jewish Israeli from a Jewish American or a Jewish Swede. I would have to either ask them or see a passport. How do you explain when the article says that "Swedish experts agree that integration of Muslims I to Swedish society has failed" ? Your assertion that "Sweden is a great country" , regardless of it's veracity is a non-sequitur . It is clear from the article that racism is problematic in at least some parts of Sweden, and may be widespread. Your comment shows only that you want to ignore the problem.
Anti-Israel activism is just a cover up for Antisemitism. The two are interlinked.
One has to be completely naïve to believe that rabid anti-Semitism is a marginal Muslim-restricted phenomenon. It is fed and nurtured by the European governments all as one, from Spain to Sweden. It will only grow stronger. European cultural tradition had always seen the world as a rivalry between God and Evil. Thus the Jews served as a “useful” embodiment of Evil. There is only one way out: Jews should live in Israel and Jews in Israel must be armed to the teeth.
That's what my history teacher taught me in England, when for two years from 13 - 15 we studied the second world war, the rise of Hitler, his hideous use of propoganda, the Holocaust and the creation of Israel Pity he wasn't very good at his job - I and my classmates were left with a profound sense of shame for the centuries of anti semitism Jews had suffered in europe (including england, my teacher told me), and were very supportive of the creation of the state of Israel. I still do beleive in Israel's right to exist in peace and security in the mddle east - like EVERYONE I KNOW, but am continually and progressively more appalled by the reality of Israels actions in the occupied territories, and abroad. LIKE EVERYONE I KNOW. Anti semitism is a horrific and insidious form of racism, and everything must be done to stop it. Like all racism, including Islamophobia.
has been going on for long. We had a exploding device put on our front door after Israel won the 6 day war 1967! Since then jewish shops and shopkeepers have been vandaliced, also during pro-palestinian demos. Also the jewish comunity has to pay for their own security, this is not ptovided by the local or central authorities. jewish youngsters are beeing beaten up by muslim mobs. It is very sad and difficult.
The Jewish security is the God of the Jews. Don,t despair, Aliya is in the prposes of God. His people are returning home
Don't let Muslim bullies terrorize innocent Jews. We must organize and protect our people from these attacks.
but a Jewish free city could sell itself as not been a target for Al Qaeda which would be a reason for moving to it, and creating jobs in the local community
"They came for the jews, but as I was not Jewish, I did nothing. They came for the homosexuals, but as I was not homosexual, I did nothing. Then they came for me.....and there were none left to do anything. " Source unknown
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. THEN THEY CAME for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. THEN THEY CAME for me and by that time no one was left to speak up." presented by Martin Niemöller in a January 6, 1946 speech
Thanks.....I could not remember it exactly...but I know well it's spirit.
With the vast majority of the diaspora supporting Israel's policies, it is not surprising that they are serving as proxies for anti-Israeli sentiment. That is not to deny that anti-semitism exists, but given the frustration of the many, and the inability to force Israel to change its ways, I think it's fair to say most of the current 'anti-semitism' is really anti-Israel. It is unlikely to go away, in fact, will likely increase until Israel changes its policies and the Palestinians have a state.
I hope that you are correct about this. But, if one reads the Hamas charter, the formation of a Palestinian state is not their goal.
Lying does become you. in your own post you admit that "antisemitism exists", and this is a clear example.
The problem here is the imbalance between what most Swedes or Brits think about Israel and what Jewish Swedes or Brits think about Israel. There was a lot of anger here about Cast Lead, because of TV pictures showing Pal civilians killed and mained by Israeli actions. In that context, Jewish Swedes and Brits demonstrating in support of Cast Lead will have created anger against them. Now you can look at this in two ways. You can take the approcah of Israel and its fans and say the journalists and the critics of Israel are openly or secretly anti-semitic, or you can take the other approach and say that it's Israel and its policies which is ultimetaly causing the problem. Now I'm sure there are some anti-semites out there, but I'm also pretty sure that there are a lot more Brits and Swedes who have nothing against Jews at all, but are deeply upset by Israel's oppression of the Pals and upset to see Jewish community leaders taking Israel's line rather than sharing the views of their fellow Brits and Swedes. Personally, I have no bad feelings about British Jews, because I've enjoyed the company of so many of them, because I regard it as natural that they should have a concern and affection for Israel, and because I know that while the community leaders are firm in their supppot for Israel's policies, individual Jews tend in private to be much, much more critical of Israel.
Are you trying on blackmail or what?? Your deafening silence on the wrongs of bashing Jews, shows just how low you people have sunk So low that you do not even realize where this is leading your country. Just like the judge who acquited the "activists"who caused malicious damage,in case the factory supplied the IAF.He has opened pandoras box and is too politically crazy to even realize You want anarchy in your country?The law of the jungle ? Or anything goes as long as they follow your views ? Helping destroy democracy and the rule of law in your country by the crazies of the uberleft has now got you into a corner and your attempts at justification of criminal shows where you now stand.
"Your deafening silence on the wrongs of bashing Jews, shows just how low you people have sunk" Deafening silnce? You've got to be kidding me. Of course, I completely condemn 'bashing Jews'. Do I really have to spell that out? I notice you don't comment on my deafening silence about the earth being round, or my deafening silence on the merits or otherwise of Gorgonzola cheese. Since we're spelling things out, Pete, how about your deafening silence on the wrongs of Cast Lead, or your deafening silence on the disastrous IDF attack on the Freedom Flotilla?
Follow media and leftists example when dealing with Muslim criminality,crimes,genocides etc.Keep quiet and hold people uninformed and unaware of the crimes.If someone starts talking or even criticizing Jews anyway then unleash all PR might to discourage him and others to do it again.Call them rightists,extreme rightists,Judeophobs,sue them,deny entry to most vocals of them etc etc.If it works with Muslims it will work with Jews don't you think?Who dares to criticize Muslims for Darfur,killing of Christians,beating Hindus for drinking water from a mosque or for honor killing nowadays when they know they will be attacked,discredited or even sued?Think about it Michael,I'm sure you will defend Jews with the same fervor you defend Muslims.
But the point of being proud to be a British citizen, isd that it should be possible for people of whatever stripe, be they poshos clamouring for foxhunting, or some members of the jewish community supporting cast lead, or muslim groups calling for sharia law, to make their voice heard and not suffer attacks. I disagree with what they have to say, but they have the right to say it.
concentrate on the blood dripping from the hands of British subjects and let Israel deal with trying to survive amongst millions of people who want them dead. I will never forget what the brits did to Jews in "palestine" and Cyprus...pigs behave better..
Yes that is true but ironically the Jews will suffer the most.
I made aliya from the US as a teenager, so I know how difficult it can be, especially at first. But I also know how rewarding living in Israel can be. There's no reason for you to continue living in fear, afraid to show that you are Jewish. Your brothers and sisters in Israel are waiting for you with open arms.
or live in Israel under constant threat from Hezbollah's missiles and a nuclear Iran and Syria. I'd stay in Sweden
Have you ever experienced the humiliation and feelings of powerlessness associated with being a persecuted minority? I've experienced enough "good old fashioned" anti-semitism over the years to know that I'd rather live here with the feeling of empowerment that goes with it than to have to face that again.
about being a powerless and persecuted minority. At least you had a country to go to. But you are preventing the Pals from having their own country. Don't say that Pals can go to Egypt or Lebanon or Jordon. They are not Egyptian or Lebanese or Jordaneans. They are Palestineans.
that linthwaite is one of those who would paInt this swastika. One thing is that surprised me is that he finally recognize that (his quote) " Israel under constant threat from Hezbollah's missiles and a nuclear Iran and Syria" . But to him we still have no right to defend ourselfs. Becouse to him and his pals, Dursons, MichaelsUK(who " have no bad feelings about British Jews, because I've enjoyed the company of so many of them")good jew is a dead jew., They let us know this time and time again.
Jews should arm themselves so that when these muslim anti semites attack, they should be shot in the face. Kill a couple of these jerks so that they think twice before attacking "helpless jews" . No one else will ever lift a finger to protect jews, we have to do it ourselves
This violence against the Jews of Malmo is a disgrace to every real Swede. Muslims are a recent foreign and negative force in Europe. Jews have been living in Europe for centuries and have contibuted to each and every country they have lived in. Every epoch of European history Jews where inolved and contributed to European culture. They suffered with the Europeans and, and prospered with Europeans . Jews are real Europeans, Muslims are foreign invaders. I hope the Swedes understand this basic fact.
"Muslims are a recent foreign and negative force in Europe. Jews have been living in Europe for centuries and have contibuted to each and every country they have lived in." Really? I thought the Muslims were 700 years in Spain as rulers of that European country, until they, together with Jews, were given two choices by the triumphant Christians who reconquered Spain" be converted to Christianity or be banished from Spain. And Ottoman Muslim Turks were in the SW Europe and the Balkans for also hundred of years with capital city actually in Europe (Constantinople/Istanbul)! In fact Ottoman Muslims welcomed Jews expelled from Spain. So how could you say Muslims were recent foreign and hostile force in Europe? There are million of ethnic European Muslims in Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, etc, forming majorities in some areas. Please get your historical "facts" straightened up!
You sat "Jews are Real Europeans" I agree, and there is the problem. They should have stayed in Europe and today you would not have refugees from Arab countries.
You sat "Jews are Real Europeans" I agree, and there is the problem. They should have stayed in Europe and today you would not have refugees from Arab countries.
We never discuss the valid reasons for Europe's distrust of Jews (anti-semitism is a stupid term unless you dislike Arabs too). European can also associate negatives with it's historical Jewish presence along with their positive contributions. There are valid reasons for disliking a people who don't assimilate and seek to change the Christian nature of every country they have lived in. Jews bring social liberalism which destroys the fabric of nation over time. I certainly like Jewish people but my assertion is nonetheless true.
with this whole new muslim issues and the immigration and what they're doing to Europe is our cosmical punishment for what the WW2.
kick most Jews out of Europe.
I am sorry, but I only see crocodile tears from European Jews. Why is holding a ordinary Palestinian refugee family responsible for acts of Hamas so very much OK for European Jews? Why are European Jews marching in the streets in order to support collective punishment on the people of Gaza. Why are European Jews NEVER asking the Israeli government to leave the occupied Palestinian territories? IMHO European Jews are responsible for the rise of antisemitism.
And you should be sorry! The majority of Jews in Israel either themselves or their ancestors were expelled from different countries in Europe and in Middle East. In Baghdad in 1948 there were some 200.000 thousands Jews. Now there are none. The same in Somalia and many other places. In my opinion Israel must and will protect itself from any form of aggression from the neighbouring country by all means since the people living there have no place to go. Better ask Turkey why it bombs Kurds. Ask Columbia why it bombs people in that country. Ask Pakistan, ask Sri Lanka, ask Phillipinos, ask Iran why they oppress their people. Ask Arab countries why they keep Palestinians in ghettos. That is what I have to say...
"Collective punishment": The firing of hundreds of rockets by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
I marched in London with a group of very brave Jews who opposed the invasion of Iraq, and the withdrawl of Israel from the occupied territories. As I say to my ISraeli friends when talking to them about their palestinian neighbours - you should really do some research, meet and walk with them before you pass jugement
The main source of anti-Semetism and anti-Arabism/Islamism is the ongoing conflict between Israel & the Palestinians. Only when this issue is solved through a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement will the wind be taken out of the sails of all hate groups who use this issue to propagate their platforms. It is time for the world to strongly encourage, but not impose, peace between Israel, the Palestinians, and its Arab neighbors. In fact, when (not if) peace between Israel & the Palestinians is reached, peace with Israel's neighbors will naturally follow, as many of these countries use this ongoing conflict to distract their citizen's away from real issues like domestic unemployment, corruption, police brutality, etc.
Hey Adam - do I have to remind you that most Muslims have rejected the very existence of Israel since its establishment by UN resolution in 1947...that Palestinian terrorists were attacking Israel in the 1950s and 1960s when there was every opportunity for them to create a state in the West Bank and Gaza...that anti-semitism has been around for thousands of years ..long before the establishment of the State of Israel and the Jewish people have been "on trial" throughout recorded history...until that underlying human need to find a scapegoat for the world's ills...peace will continue to evade us.
The presence of a functioning Jewish population in territory claimed by Islam is an affront at the most basic level. Peace and settlement is not up to Abbas, it is up to the PLO, who affirmed once again last year in Bethlehem that Israel must be destroyed totally.
This UN partition plan of 1947 is often cited as a fair solution resisted by militant Arabs just because. However, a closer examination reveals that the population of Palestine in 1947 was 66% Arab, 33% Jewish (1.2 million vs. 600,000) yet the 'fair & impartial' UN plan that you talk of allocated 56.7% of the land of Palestine for the Jewish State. Obviously no self respecting people would accept an outside solution imposed on them that so clearly favoured the other side and we all know what happened next. On a similar but seperate note, don't you think it's time to drop the vicitimization act???
Why don't the muslims in Malmö create jobs by themselves? Why are they so passive?
The anger directed at Israeli policies and actions will soon disappear when israel behaves as a normal civilised country.
It is oh so horrible to collectively punish diaspora Jews by hurling epithets at them, but it is perfectly alright to put Gazans in an open air prison, limit their movements, destroy their economy, determine what goods they can and cannot have, and assassinate their leaders and others at will.
Of course punishment is perfectly justified against past murderous Palestinian actions. The English language is being perverted by the supporters of the Palestinian criminal acts. Take "punishment" and add "collective" in front of it and you will score some propoganda points. Take someone who bashes a childs head with a rock and call him a "freedom figher" instead of a murderer. After 100 Palestinian suicide bombers in 2003 Israel built a fence. Just attach the word "Apartheid" to it and you end up with a lovely slogan. Then there is the word "occupation". The naive supporters of Palestinian radicals think that it applies only to the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinians take it to mean the whole country of Israel. Slogans are great for brain-dead people. It saves them from having to think.
Sincere question: if you were the Israeli government, how would you react to thousands of rockets landing daily for 8 years on the citizens of Sderot and surrounding areas?
so far Israel has done better than you could ask of anyone to segregate those sending rockets from those who don't in Gaza. Letting the first not to do what they do, while letting the rest to mightily try to go on with their lives. I think if Israel used Malmo tactics towards Jewish population on Arabs in Israel... it would not be a lot more ethnically monotonous, but than it would not be a Jewish country.
The hatred towards Jews will inevitably lead also to aggression of some Europeans against the others, like it was in the 1939-1940-1941.
those are not Europeans!!
If you can't be a proud, open Jew safe with whatever political opinions you please, non-Zionist or Zionist, then at some point you will find that you simply can't be a safe Jew.
Today it's the Jews. Bad omen. Tomorrow it will be the rest of the Swedes.
...the Jews again. Aryans keep repeating themselves....
You can't see you're a part of the problem? If and when somone adress a significant behaviour to a group like you just did and mean it the she/he is nothing but a simple racist. Now pleace not this. I am NOT calling you a racist but your comment were racistic. A majority of the Swedes are anti-racism, against anti-Semitism and intolerance. You know it aswell as i do if you're really living in Sweden. Are you allowed to build synagogues and mosques in Sweden? Yes. In our capitol too? Yes. Why? Because you're not opressed. Choose another way! Refuse to fall in to racistic reasoning like "Arians, Jews, Arabs" and so on. That kind of thinking is only dividing and creates conflicts.
when have moslems been prosecuted and exterminated in sweden?
Yasmin - Antiesemitism and Islamophobia is a natural part of European history. girl - you wait and see, the grandkids of those Swedes that participated indirectly in the Holocaust of European Jewry are building up again - now at the moment just shifting focus...
The citizens of Sweden will soon have a country with no jews, but lots of moslems. Maybe there is justice in the world, after all, since the Swedes will get what they deserve.
Where have we seen this picture before? Muslims move in and relentlessly begin to take over. First they ethnically cleanse the Jews, but don't think it will be that long before they try to take over the whole country. Muslims cannot even share a European city like Malmo with Jews. How absurd to think that Jerusalem can be divided peacefully with people like this! Madness!
Israel with a 20% Moslem population is going through many of the same problems. Why Europe took in so many Moslems is beyond comprehension. Why Israel took in so many and deported so few is suicidal. All the 9/11 Arabs that killed off 3000 Americans were here on legal visas. The west and Israel by allowing in so many Moslems will have hell to pay in just a few generations. When the Jews are gone they will turn on the Christians: Bethleham, Lebanon, Turkey, and a new Mosque at Ground Zero in the US.
This is a really sad situation. Let this be a warning to all Jews who promote immigration from Muslim countries to Europe and the US. As much as some would lament it, we now have to face it: if we continue to let Muslims immigrate without control to Europe, we'd have to leave it. Same for the US. And to go where? How long would Tzahal last without support from the US and Europe once the Muslim tide rises?
So is the essence of the hatred anti-semitism, or opposition to Israel?
One example is the well recorded pogroms in Morocco a thousand years ago. Hezballa had a missile named Taibeh after a Moslem massacre ethnic cleansing of Jews. Absence of Israel,? Indeed a pathetic absence of historical knowledge.
The hatred towards either group by posters is horrific but people who keep refering to nothing but absolute hatred for Muslims like Peter S M and Petra cannot want peace at all and I have to wonder at their intentions.
... so named for the Jewish tribe in Arabia despoiled, enslaved, then massacred by Mohammedan's men. There can be peaceful Muslims, but Islam is anti-Semitic at its core.
Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people, just as Sweden is the nation-state of the Swedes. But we, in Israel, don't harass the Swedes who live amongst us.
it has little to do with Anti - Semitism... a lot more with world dominance. Let's see how far your New Rome goes on this iteration... what do you think kuri levels will be when all is said and done? I guess emperors carry true blue blood... that one is immune to any kuri... And they agree... otherwise we would be dancing under geiger disko for the past 50 years.
it has little to do with Anti - Semitism... a lot more with world dominance. Let's see how far your New Rome goes on this iteration... what do you think kuri levels will be when all is said and done? I guess emperors carry true blue blood... that one is immune to any kuri... And they agree... otherwise we would be dancing under geiger disko for the past 50 years.
Very ironic but nothing new. Muslims with their blind-raging racism and Jew hatred driving Jews out of their own countries and into Eretz Israel, thus making Israel stronger and stronger. Keep up the anti-semitism guys, you'll force every Jew in the world to Israel, which of course is the ultimate goal of Zionism. That individual who screamed "heil hitler" to Mr. Eilenberg can easily be regarded as an honorary Zionist. Perhaps the Jewish Agency should hire him! :)
Malmo is not only city Jewish people have to leave. As a Londoner I can say that within a decade Jewish citizen of this mega city have to migrate to a safer place, if they support Israel’s illegal actions on unarmed Palestinians.
Absolute and utter bullshit. The biggest threat facing the Jewish communities in London is a falling birth rate, as can be seen for the first time in years that there are free spaces for other religions in Jewish schools. Jewish people are represented in all areas of society in the UK in which they play a full role. To suggest that Jews in the United Kingdom are at threat of annihilation show just how successful Jews are in London, and the desperation of Israelis to have them move to Israel, instead of what is increasingly happening from Israel to London, amongst whom are the richest Israeli Jews. Pathetic
Unarmed palestinians?? I think you should review your source of information
Antisemites have made the Jews and Israel stronger. Keep it up.
israel thinks it can turn the world against muslims and support israel, maybe the corrupt politcians but not the ordinary citizen, israel is not only creating hate for israelis in israel but also the diasporia, and as i've said a million times, jews will be targeted not by just muslims but by many other faiths, remeber the odds, 20 million jews world wide compared to billions of many faiths, who do you think is going to lose? wake up israel.
I´m sorry, but i have to say that in Europe we prefer jews than arabs. Jews work really hard and are very highly educated, plus they never organize bomb attacks in our continent.
and i wonder why so many? should we be scared of iran or israel? iran has none to date while israel has over 200, and like many israelis have said, "fi we go down, the whole world comes down with us" and THAT is more threatening than any of irans or any other arabs threats put together.
and i wonder why so many? should we be scared of iran or israel? iran has none to date while israel has over 200, and like many israelis have said, "fi we go down, the whole world comes down with us" and THAT is more threatening than any of irans or any other arabs threats put together.
as the imam says, if you're going to hold rallies in support of cast lead in a city with a large muslim population, you are asking for trouble. can't handle the backlash, then go join "your people". you won't be missed much.
It is a democratic freedom in Sweden to have rallies for Cast Lead. It is a democratic freedom in Sweden to have rallies for PA or even for Hamas. Play by the rules and stop collective punishment !
Welcome!!
... is as stupid as Serbs (who Isreal supported in the Balkan wars by the way) staging a demonstration in support of the massacre in Srebrenica. Not strange if people take offense. Especially if they happen to come from the land "they call Palestine" Don't support murder (or at the very least don't SHOW that you support murder) and nobody will care if you have a cross, star or crescent over your bed. But I guess I'm just plain anti-semitic.
So one people disagree with you repeating outright lies they can be beaten up ? Is that your message? Do you realize that you are opening the door for dictatorship by your accepting beating people up if they disagree? Are you sure ALL. Jews beaten up were Israel supporters? You have made your bed, now dont complain when you are next.
...Balkan wars, Israel supported the predominately Moslem Bosnia & Hercegovina. Read your homework again pls
The demonstration held by some Malmo jews was in favour for peace, something aparently the mob did not aprove to. Supporting Hamas and Hisbollah who wants war to occupy and destroy Israel is apparently OK in Malmö!
I agree with your post. Well, at least some of it. Well, actually, just one part of it. You are just plain anti-semitic.
The most accurate count is under 1,200, of which over half have been identified as members of Hamas and other militant groups. They were not civilians. And the number of civilians killed would have been even lower had Hamas not elected to fight from within civilian areas.
I am Bulgarian and in Bulgaria there was a really small minority of Muslim Bulgarians who were converted to Islam by the Turks during the Ottoman Empire domination whom goal was to turn Slavic population (including Serbia and its neighbors) into Turks and muslims. So this minority of Bulgarians did prefer to claim themselves not Bulgarian Muslims but Turks from Bulgaria. They refused Bulgarian culture and refused to be Bulgarians living in the Land of Bulgaria. They were refusing education and the birth control wasn't a common practice as well. So the communist Bulgarian government considering the birth rate and their inclination DID UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM and made a campaign of assimilation where this minority was asked to either integrate by accepting Bulgarian names and traditions or go to Turkey where they would have been welcomed through an agreement with the Turkish governamnt in 89' and where they could have been what they claimed to be Islamic Turks. So some stayed and some left. In Bulgaria unlike in Serbia we did not have a war and we did not have to kill anybody. The government did the right thing cause it's unacceptable to claim you're a Muslim Arab from Sweden considering that you born there for example and have a full citizenship.
How does joblessness justify hate and anger at a small minority of Jews rather than at the large majority of Swedes?
Just ask etnic swedes in Malmö about that and you'll soon see that this "anger" is aimed at the swedes, jews, police, neighbourghs and basicly anyone who arent a part of this vioelent group in Malmö.
jews living outside of israel should start pushing the israel government to change radically their atitude towards Palestinians - otherwise they will be taking the blame. israelis should elect government, which would be capable of doing it - i.e.consisting of young sane persons - not of the current haters.
Do Jews in general have a collective reponsibility for the actions of the Israeli government ??? Of course not !
No, they don't have a collective responsibility. But they DO support Israeli policies almost in lockstep.
Well, Sweden and also for the rest of Western Europe you have created a monster your self. Don't blame it to other groups. Now you have to tolerate the intolerance yourself. You have tolerated the Muslims to live in a total segregated enclaves at the expense of your taxpayers monies.
80% unemployment ... living on welfare checks, contributing nothing to the society except for hate and crime ... yes, lets protect them lets bring some more of them over ...
It seems like all of the troubles are related towards perceived sympathy and support of Israel/Zionism. How is that anti-semitism? Why is this family moving from SWEDEN to Israel? If they weren't simply Zionists are are meeting their fair share of criticism, wouldn't they move to, I dunno, another Swedish city...or perhaps another EU state? I feel sorry that they're now coming to Israel, I bet they'll find it even worse here. Poor little ethnic-supremicists!
In what way do you mean that threats, violence and such is criticism? I don't get it. Why deny there excists anti-semitism as well as racism? Why no accept the fact that some Jews in Malmö experiences threats, harassments just because of their belife? This should be dealt with as it's certainly not acts of chriticism. It's harassments and against Swedish law. No doubt about that.
Failure to protect human rights of it's citizens removes legitimacy from Sweedish state. Such a failure is much more serious than anything hived up agains Israel. They surely deserve to be punished. Any ideas what can be done?
The Moslem and Arabic youth needs to have thorough education in history of Antisemitism and the similarities between Judaism and Islam. Unfortunately we are losing the new generations to hate-mongers, Antisemites and the Wahabist-trash
with Israels? For instance I am sure in Sweden they don't hold children in administrative detention without charge or access to their family.
Is Sweden faced with daily violence from Finland? Does Sweden face constant threat from the rest of Scandanavia seeking its destruction? Is terrorism from within and outside its borders a constant occurrence in Sweden? Do not compare that which is incomparable.
I hope Jews now understand that they cannot continue with their apartheid policies and systematic killing of palestinians and then go out and demostrate in support of those policies and think they can get away with it. I think those days are over for the Jews and particularly NETANYAHU
weather a Jew agrees or disagrees with the policies of Israel there is no need to hurl anti-semetic slurs at them for any reason what so ever! I strongly agree with Israels policies. John you have a lot to learn like it or not. Its time for you to read more then the BBC and watch something else asidew for al-jazzera
Mesage is not going through is it. Then proceed with your apartheid policies, proceed with depriving men women and children of their freedom, proceed with your Rabbis promoting hatred, proceed with stealing further settlement lands of Palestinians, proceed with continued blockade of Palestinians, proceed with not allowing international inspectors in to Gaza, proceed with brainwashing of young Israeli students and the population, proceed with killing 100 palestininas for every Israeli killed, proceed with neglecting intenational opinion and jewish academis and writers, proceed with following Netanyahu, Barak, lieberman and the like;; should I continue. Respond to the above before jumping at the chance of avoiding the issue. And please read some of the comments of Gideon Levy,and other commentators and academics 'Finally, read what some of the super powers had to say about Israel recently. YOU SHOULD THINK OF MOVING FORWARD FOR A BETTER ISRAEL. ISRAEL HAS ONE REAL PROBLEM, THE PALESTINIAN PROBLEM. HOWEVER, ISRAEL SIMPLY DOES NOT WANT PEACE, NETANYAHU WILL LOSE HIS SEAT IF HE DID. THIS IS THE ISRAELI FRAM EO FMIND YOU PEOLE HAVE TO CHANGE FOR PEACE TO HAVE ANY CHANCE. I WISH SCHINDLER WAS HERE TO SEE THE FRUITS OF HIS LABOUR.
Deplorable, but to be expected, unfortunately. If the Zionists would reverse their basic crime of declaring their illegitimate state on the territory of Palestine on May 15, 1948, and hand the land over to a UN Trausteeship as originally planned back in 1947, you would see how fast the anti-Jewish incidents in Europe and elsewhere would cease. True, many Jews state that Zionism dies not represent them, but fact is that perception is reality.
Part of the problem is that Israeli Policies has for generations caused Palestinians to migrate to Western Countries where they have worked hard become highly educated and just as Jews strayed true to their religions & ancient traditions. However, when they protest and I will give the example of the death toll of Cast Lead, the Jewish Community complained and had government funds for certain Arab educational groups cut off. When Israel bombed Lebanon during the 2nd Lebanese war during the Summer Holidays, when many Canadian-Lebanese return to visit there relatives, (just as many Jewish-Canadians vist relatives in Israel) & many of these Lebanese Canadian women & children were killed and those who made it to the beaches to be taken to Cyprus were picked up by Canadian Aircraft, thank goodness, although these people actually were ready to pay for this, the Jewish Community was very angry that the Canadian Government had rescued these "Arabs." even though many had come here as refugees because of Israel's first invasion of Lebanon in 1982. So it is difficult. Palestinians, Lebanese, etc., Israeli Jews make it clear they are not wanted in Palestine/Lebanon/ yet Jews everywhere else that they migrate to make it as difficult as possible for them to live normal lives even though they do assimilate to high degree.
If Israel, its leaders and people can not see the connection between their actions towards their neighbours, arab citizens and the 'attack is best defence' attitude ever since the state was declared will never understand the attitude of people in other countries attitudes towards their country. I am not anti semitic simply because I deplore how Israel is acting, I would have felt equally appalled if another country, no matter their religious conviction, acted the same. Lead by example. The examples set over the past 60 years show Israel are not interested in peace, thats the only conclusion a neutral person in this conflict can come to.
Israel is not interested in peace? Fact:UN made the partition plan in 1947 to have TWO states, it was the Palestinians that rejected it. Fact: when Israel tried to make peace with Arafat it was rejected. Israel has peace with both Jordan and Egypt. So ya..clearly Israel is against the idea of peace
Yes you are Antisemitic because you consider it a Crime for Jews to defend themselves. Wait and see. In 10 years these Muslim immigrants will be attacking the rest of the Swedes. And the Swedish Jews will be safe in Israel.
Are you a neutered Swede? You deplore how Israel is acting? Israel is forced to defend itself because of the constant threats and attacks from its so-called arab neighbors. What do you think will happen to Sweden as islam takes over your country and eliminates Swedish culture and infidels? Will you fight for your country or just submit to islamic terrorism?
... when you asked about human rights in Russia? The immediate response was "what about the blacks in the US?" This is the response of dishonesty, inability to see the truth in the mirror. Israel took all its settlements out of Gaza-were they also the case also
NatrualSwede conveniently ignores the many DFEFENSIVE wars Israel has fought against enemy arab states and the countless opportunities that the palestinians have had to create their own state... wait, didn't they declare a state in 1988?
That Imam they've quoted (in Sweden) is directly responsible, actively responsible, for fomenting anti-Semitism with his slurs against Israel and is attempts to separate those he refers to as Jews in Sweden from the nation of Israel, which he denigrates. He leaves no room for anyone to consider whether or not there is good or bad in Israel's actions (and in Israel), he just preaches that it's evil and bad and such (which, of course, is not at all true -- quite the contrary). The Imam is pressuring local Jews to be perceived as being isolated and apart from any others and in doing so, going about the tiresome but infectious indoctrination process by Islam that encourages people to succumb to Islam's 'absolutes' and offering as the one and only Nation to associate with. Even IF there are Swedes who don't care for Israel, they appear to be doing their own country (Sweden) grave harms by allowing this Muslim population to flourish there. Sweden's wealthy social services are obviously the reasons why Muslims have arrived and stayed in Sweden, same as with the UK and U.S. It's self-destructive of these nations to allow Muslims to arrive, use the local resources as they do while then working to replace the existing populations and eventually, the entire nations. Sweden should be taking the experiences of their Jewish population with great seriousness.
These young, anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist Muslims prove why there needed to be a Jewish homeland in the first place.
stories like this remind me to not visit sweden anytime soon, ill gladly take my tourism dollars elsewhere
So not changing your plans anytime soon then. Because, lets face it you had no plans to visit Sweden anyway
if a population lives in a country and 80-90% can't speak the language? Are there large swdish-language ghettoes of expatriates elsewhere?
If Jews find living in Malmo so intolerable, just try to imagine how Palestinians find it living in Gaza under years of Israel blockade, or living in East Jerusalem surrounded by and subjected to Jewish encroachments.
Imagine the tables were turned and it was the Jewish people living in Gaza under blockade. All you would ever hear were cries of Nazis and Ghettoes. They somehow think that because its not being done to jews that its not quite the same thing.
You are sooooooooo right - We Jews cry the loudest when an ant bites us and at the same time we kill innocents without a second thought. This is why - not many people know - We the Jews (because of our holy books ) do think non Jews to be less than humans - like animals.
don't imagine stuff ... visit Jerusalem and see for yourself how muslims are living in Israel. Most of shops and restaurant in Jerusalem is owned by arabs
if the Gaza residents were as peaceful and harmless as the Jews of Malmo there would have been peace already. Any Jew committed ANY act of violence against the Muslims of Malamo????
Viv: "Swedes then blame Israeli policy " No we don't, we blame our politicians for neglecting national immigration problems. And "Sanctimonius", that's all your words, not words of the Swedes. In fact i find your comment a bit offencive because it's very close to racism when you're talking about a huge group with sweeping general statements. Because it's exactly that, sweeping disrespectful general statements, that is behind the anti-semitism in the Suburb Rosengård in Malmö. We should fight that kind of thoughts in my opinion, not embrace and repeat them. Peace!
the swedish governement should be accountable.
Slowly but surely the Jewish populations are moving, far away, to countries where safety comes first for their children. Sweden is the tip of the iceberg. The news media keeps well away for the problems are homegrown,lack of education and above all, the governments are becoming increasingly hostile to Israel and her policies. The fact that Muslims are not intergrating, lack the language skills or most have no job skills and seek revenge on those that have what they lack makes this a rather dangerous situation. Most European countries have large recently arrived Muslim communities that average close to 8 percent of the population. Again, the jobless rate amongst these folk is higher than any other ethnic group. The future of a Europe without a stabilizing and forward looking policy of intergration may well become the cause of xenophobia and anger as witnessed before WW 2., for Europe is currently under severe economic stress, many speak of a possible Depression, for the only countries that produce and keep their heads above water are Germany/Switzerland. One cannot therefore imagine the consquences of said scenario especially in those countries where social services will be stretched to the limit where the non immgrants will vote en masse to the right wing parties in exsaperation. The future of Europe is not that bright, economically speaking, neither when belt tightening policies will cause social unrest, for it will always be the disenfranchised that will suffer." Let them eat cake"? No, not this time. No doubt I will join my fellow pensioners on some idyllic exotic Isle where my pension will ensure a decent life. For in todays Europe, there are no guarantees for the elderly. Less so for the Jews. Good evening to all, from sunny Swiss Alps.
There are many interesting points in this article. (1) the Muslim population has not managed to integrate into Swedish society; (2) a majority of Muslim aged 18-34 don’t speak Swedish and therefore cannot find jobs; (3) anti-Israel propaganda is fed via satellite by Arab TV channels; (4) local and national government is powerless. It is obvious that the grand social welfare and open immigration policies have failed completely and totally with the Muslims who have settled in Sweden. This is reflected in other European countries. Good citizenship requires that you adapt yourself to your host country. If you can’t do this (surely a minimum requirement should be to learn the language of your new country), then you really have no place in that country. The tragedy is that the Muslims are consciously separating themselves from their host countries (whining and complaining as usual that they are being discriminated against). Much worse, is the new partnerships between radical Muslims and the European Left, the violence and the renewed and virulent anti-Semitism directed at Jews and Israel (very disingenuous of them to say ‘but I am not anti-Semitic only anti-Zionist’). I doubt very much that “dialogue forums” can repair the damage, especially if "Swedes (and their Muslim citizens) don’t understand why swastikas are bad and how they offend Jews.” According to Gosenius, 30% of the hate crimes in the Malmo region are anti-Semitic”. The Jews of Malmo (as well as other European cities) are not safe and the people of Melmo are right to be frightened – because it will get worse.
I wanted to positively rate your posting, but i accidently pressed the thumbs down. Ignore 1 thumbs down, please.
Conditions there for Jewish people seem comparable to conditions for the Palestinian minority on the West Bank, in places like Hebron.
Haaretz quoting Susanne: “Swedes don’t understand why swastikas are bad and how they offend Jews" Huh!? We don't? Thats why it's forbidden to wear by the law, because we dont care? I hate anti-semites exactly because of the same reason i hate racists and yes there is anti-semitism in Sweden as well as racism and other problems. There is a HUGE difference between anti-semitism and chriticism against the settlements at occupied Palestinean land. And Malmö... why cant the write what it's all about. Its about a suburb in Malmö called Rosengård. Thats where the big problems excists. And our cowardly acting swedish politicians doesnt dare to take care of the problem. Why? Because they fear that someone may call it racism and nothing scares them more than being called racism or anti-semite. That mean that they close their eyes and look at the other direction in a hope that the problems will go away. The anger among the swedish people grows stronger and stronger and real racists are getting political ground because of our incompetent cowardly politicians. OPur immigration policies are the biggest fail in swedish politics. I wish i could do something for those jews living in sweden that feel unsafe. Something to convince them about that sweden in fact are safe to live in. Probably more safe than Israel as long as Israel is at warr. One thing that is worth to mention though. Accusations about anti-semitism can create anti-semitism especially when you get called anti-semite because you simply criticize use of excessive force by IDF and so on. To unjustified accuse someone for anti-semitism is as bad as expressing anti-semitic opinions.
I agree with J. A. and sometimes I feel like most people especially those who have the power and the money and the industries in Europe, care more about the money they can make and how much power they can gain rather than really care about their countries.
The whole world knows of the attitude of the Swedish government towards Israel. So be it. But, to allow the kind of anti-Semetic acts that were described in this article is just plain wrong. Jews have been welcome in America for a long time. They are productive, law abiding people. We'll take all the Jews in Sweden who want to come here. Meanwhile, shame on Sweden!
These things would not happen if Israel ended its occupation and allowed the Palestinians to live in freedom. Israel though likes the status quo, these events help push Jews to make aliyah which is what they want.
By Christians that time. Israel did NOT exist at all at that time. So.... this is the old problem of antisemitism..... That is why I and my family live in Israel..... the Jews from Sweden should come to THEIR OWN COUNTRY: ISRAEL
Is it antisemitism by other semites or "anger directed at Israeli policies" towards Swedish citizens who cannot refrain to manifest their double allegiance ?
The author wrote "...growing Muslim population living in segregated conditions that seem to breed alienation...". Ah yes, the author literally cannot help himself - the liberal disease has so rotted the brain that it is impossible for him to NOT include a pathetic sentence like this in his article. Salk and Sabin found a way ro defeat polio - can we not find a way to defeat the mental illness of liberalism?
Not Good. I myself was a vague anti-semite until recently discovering my own Jewish quarter (maternal grandmother, converted to Catholicism). Most generally humans possess animus, a capacity and DESIRE to hate something (anything). But to hate you need a target and a rationale. A narrative is required of whom to hate and why. Its pretty daft in the 21st century for 'Jews' to be a viable hate target, since Jews generally behave themselves, with the obvious exception of poor old neurotic Israel on a bad day. (The pscholgogy and rationale for that is a little longer than the average attention span.) Yet in the west, and for no real reason, Judaism has been perceived as an enduring symbolic rival (enemy). The old 'money lender' line meets primitive territorialism. All of these reasons are totally obsolete of course, the modern 'Jew' in Sweden and everywhere else is totally indiscernable in every way from either the locals or other 'ethnic minorities', except for a slight tendency to excel, and perhaps (rarely) a slight tendency to 'believe in God'. In general it is wise to leave any city that is over-run with lawless unemployed youth. But dont go to Israel, the same and worse in that region overrun with lawless unemployed idiots of every age. Come to Asia, where the concept of 'Jew' is largely irrelevant.
As long as 'governements (not only sweden), TOLERATE anti semitism (also under the pseudonim of anti Israel/Zionist), THEY are to blame. If a governement WANTS to stop something, they CAN! Amelie Enochson (christian democrat), is 100% right in pointing out her being frightened for the future of her, (not only her) country. She should be, and so should Europe. It ALWAYS starts with the 'blame the Jews' and than they come for the rest. The muslims are full of hatred against the WHOLE WORLD and are 'sharpening their knifes! It's 2 minutes to 12!
Both ways are unacceptable, to "blame the Jews" is as unacceptable as to "blame the Moslems"
Not. But of course it does. Israel's conduct towards the native Palestinian peoples is outrageous. Israel is conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing, dispossession, impoverishment, intimidation and killing. Many Jews are coming to the realization that their very safety is threatened by Israeli outrages. But, hey Israel, keep it up. Turn up the thermostat. This is the best show in town. It has all of the aspects of good entertainment, if watched from a sufficiently safe distance.
Not. But of course it does. Israel's conduct towards the native Palestinian peoples is outrageous. Israel is conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing, dispossession, impoverishment, intimidation and killing. Many Jews are coming to the realization that their very safety is threatened by Israeli outrages. But, hey Israel, keep it up. Turn up the thermostat. This is the best show in town. It has all of the aspects of good entertainment, if watched from a sufficiently safe distance.
The local Jewish community leadership thought that it would be a great idea to gather in the main square of the city and wave Israeli flags just as the IAF was dropping bombs and white phosphorous on the heads of the people of Gaza. I spoke with a few of these 'peace' protesters and suggested that their actions were not helpful and indeed totally out of sync with the views of so many of the population of the city. I wouldn't wish ill on these 'peace protesters' but they should realise that they were provocative, stupid and self harming. Thankfully, there were many Jewish people gathered in sympathy for the plight of the Palestinian people.
Most Anglo-Jews are generally sympathetic with Israel. They are only 'provocative' if you do not think they have a democratic right to openly express that sympathy i.e. if you an antisemite.
John you are such a concerned individual for the Palestinians I invite you to sit in Sderot with the children and doge the "harmless" Kassem rockets or you can visit the Galilee and when the Hezbollah begins firing their Katyushas you can sit with any of the 11 Arab families who losted loved ones in the last war. Yes the Palestinians have it bad because when they were offered a true peace in 1993 at Oslo they spit in our faces and Arafat chose to continue his reign of terror. So now we negotiate again for what?
Thank you. Your comment shows why Britain is the #1 Antisemitic country in Europe.And why it is going down the drain. Jews have a right to defend themselves.
I really would like to see how Europeans would solve this kind of problem if it was being constantly threatened by terroristic action from underminded uncivil people like Hizbollah and Hamas.
keep advising nations... we will see how far you advance towards UN secretary general.
But when there are no Jews left in Sweden, guess who the Moslems will come to target as objects of their hate? Serving up Israel on the platter of appeasement will get Sweden absolutely nowhere.
This article seems to attempt to show that Muslims in Sweden are suffering because they are discriminated against. Quite the contrary. Muslim immigrants to Europe prefer to maintain their own neighborhoods, do not learn the host country's language, do not assimilate. In past large migrations, the second generation begins to integrate. Among Muslims, the second generation reverts more to the culture their parents came from. It is causing a major problem not just in Sweden, but all over Europe.
You don't think that maybe, just maybe, the Swedes, like the rest of the world, are enraged by your treatment of the Palestinians, whose country you stole.
Meg you have been in the Middle East? Is this what you have heard from your propoganda source? Seeing as you are soooo knowledgable please define what and how stolen? If historical fact is a lie than I guess your forte is not intelligence! Besides how can the issue of the Moslem population of destitute unemployed Jihadists have to do with Israel? They moved there to spread there love and good will to the Swedish people and you can join them at any time!
Yes, Meg. It is the Swedes who are enraged with the Malmo Jewish community, just like the rest of the world is enraged with their respective Jewsih communities for their treatment of the Palestinians, whose country they (the Jewish communities in general and in Malmo in particular) had stole.
Being a Jew I fully agree with you - almost all jews will think that I am a non jew writing as a jew because No jew will agree to a gentile like you according to them. Right or wrong Israel is the motto. It is getting harder and harder for us all over the world to justify what Israel is doing to the Palestinians -Non jewish people who are our friends and now getting upset and questioning about Israel and our faith. When will the leaders of our community realize that world is changed and nobody is going to give a hoot about being labeled as Anti Semite. Thank you again.
when the hell there was something such Palestinian official long or short term country???? Since EVER , thousands and thousands of years ago that region in the middle east has been dominated by many many different people, cultures and religions! which is also why all monotesitic religons have saint places there....get real t israel is legal to the bne
Interesting how repeating a lie such as "the Jews stole Palestine", can obliterate history and reason.
Swedes who have this thing about being "Swedish". Yeah, the Jews in Israel are told how they are intolerant, prejudiced, and all the other epithets you can imagine. Yet, you walk the streets and see three languages at the stores--Hebrew, Arabic, and Russian because there is an acceptance that some people in this land aren't fluent in the Official Language, or our culture, for that matter.. It was said of Hungarian Jews that they got along well with their non-Jewish neighbors, even though they may have been anti-Semetic because they opted to speak Hungarian, and become part of their culture. It didn't help that much, but for some reason there are still a few Jews who have a soft in their hearts for that country. The bottom line, however is that unlike Europeans who talk the talk, we walk the walk more often than they do, in spite of what we might say about people who are different than we are.
People from Sweden need to understand that the Muslim population will grow mush faster and their percentage of teh population will continue to grow. Now, they are driving Jews out of Sweden. Next, they will make life miserable for all Swedish people. To Sweden, forget about political correctness and act before it is too late.
the whole continent should do that and I totally agree. There should be engaged strong order policies due to either let those people get civil and contribute society or get out of our beautiful continent. There are plenty of islamic countries without jews in the world.
First of all this shows that the Moslem claim that they are ant-Israel but not anti-Semitic is a lie. Second, the Europeans should realize that after they finish wit the Jews they'll start with the Christians
world news to treat jews like jews treat palestinians
and treat the muslims as they treat those who do not embrace their fanatical oppresssive culture, works both ways
Back in the 1948 did Palestinians get their land or not? as far as I'm informed they did... if the Jews could build a prosperous and beautiful country in 60 years why the Palestinians couldn't'???
If diaspora Jews in general support Israel and its oppressive policies toward its Muslim minority, is it any surprise Muslims in those countries have problems with them? Have Jews not had problems with those who support anti-semitic regimes?
surrounded by at least 100+ million Muslims. Israel is struggling to survive in their midst every single day. This is how I see it. - A small reality check just it has escaped your mind: presently Syria and Lebanon's Hezes are rattling their sabres against tiny Israel together with huge Iran, so that makes some 40 million Muslims against 5 million Jews. - SO: who's the minority and who's the underdog?
Jews have been persecuted first because of their Religion back in the Middle age and then further because they're not the lower race or culture but the higher one. While in Europe before ww2 most were rich, educated and were occupying the major positions in social life. Hitler understood what to do to gain immidiate power . if he lived today same he did with the jews he'd do it with muslims and today few people would pprotest.
Jews have been persecuted first because of their Religion back in the Middle age and then further because they're not the lower race or culture but the higher one. While in Europe before ww2 most were rich, educated and were occupying the major positions in social life. Hitler understood what to do to gain immidiate power . if he lived today same he did with the jews he'd do it with muslims and today few people would pprotest.
The Sanctimonius Swedes treat their Muslim residents like crap, so they take their anger and frustration out on the Jews. Of course the Sanctimonious Swedes then blame Israeli policy instead of their own society.
Lately it feels like in Europe there's something really wrong!!! Europeans themselves don't even care about Israeli policies or what's happening to Palestinians. It's more a media-political thing...It's well known that for Muslim is very difficult to integrate in our socieites and it often takes more than two generations to actually achieve some change. Nobody wants more muslims but many are afraid to say it because they get banned as racist. after the holocaust people are ashamed and there's a strong tollerance policy the society adopts but it seems like they're doing it with the wrong culture. It's not ethical to somehow not accept this muslim immigrants since they're legally residing but at the same time it's unaccepatable for them to be so not civilized and comit crimes.
I guess you dont live in sweden because it was too ignorant. No offence. No one can know everything. But i do oppose your racistic statement about swedes as it's racistic bullshit. Swedes doesnt balme Israeli policy for our imigration problems. In fact "swedes" doesnt blame Israel for any swedish problems. If you claim that i am wrong its easy for you to prove me wrong. Then link to the "swedes" that are blaming Israel for our swedish national problems.
Like France, Spain, Germany...
Europe deserves this substitution of Jews
...the lack of education on matters like history of Antisemitism, rasism and related matters is affecting the Moslem youth in Sweden. It is a shame to see, hear and read about the mentioned Antisemitism and that kind of conduct is never to be accepted. It is high time for the educated Arabs and Moslems in Europe to take the lead in these matters, in order to undermine Wahabist-propaganda, State sanctioned lies from leading Arabstates and to infuse new and updated information to the Arabic and Moslem youth. We in the older generation have a duty to combat any kind of racism (including Antisemitism), to defy Holocaust-denial and to bring our youth to a new and bright future - instead of letting them to the vultures of propagand-tricks, history-distortion and undue un-Islamic "Jihadism".
But not the Muslims themselves.
They were treated well in Spain,but bombed Madrid anyway and the same happened in England. They treat locals like crap and use locals rejection as a new pretext to attack them again and again until locals move out. Read this: "Most of Malmo’s Muslims live in Rosengard, the eastern part of this de facto segregated city, where the jobless rate is 80%." Do you see it? They are majority in the eastern part of Rosengard,but blame Swedes for their own inability to create jobs for themselves and attack Jews because they don't have jobs! Did they come to live from Jazyia? The true culprit are not Muslims but government that let them in.
Of course, it's anyone's fault except the ones actually committing the crimes!
I've known a number of Muslims working in academia, and they are all very happy with their lives in Sweden. I conclude from this that blaming Swedes for your own failures is unfair, because Sweden is a country that offers a huge amount of possibilities reinforced by a powerful social security network. The only people that don't find their place under the sun in Sweden are those that really, really don't want to. What is happening in Malmö, with the aöoemated and hateful Muslim community, is the same that happened in Paris, and in both cases, it's fully of their own making.
You reap what you sow. Antisemitism is disgusting and inexcusable, but the parallels of Israel's present day behavior to 1930's and 1940's Germany is fomenting anger. When Israel stops its occupation of palestine, then it may expect more rationale and decent global attitudes towards the jewish diaspora.
I quote: "They were treated well in Spain,but bombed Madrid anyway and the same happened in England." Yeah sure - collective guilt for what a violent minority have commited - not acceptable !
That nobody is saying that when a muslim gets attacked that it is the fault of muslim societies who are oppressing. Only yesterday at least 23 people got killed by Somali muslim militants in Uganda for watching football. thus, one can only conclude that filthy antisemitic tendencies are the real background of these troubles.
how far do you want to go back in history...the Spanish Inquisition ? the pogroms in Russia in the late 19th century...the banning of Jews to England in the middle ages....basically the Jews have always been humankind's punching bag and it is that underlying problem that needs to be addressed...not Israel's actions in trying to live with its neighbours in peace.
You know those with extremist views,you live together,talk to each other,they are easy to identify so what the majority did to stop them? Collective guilt? Collective guilt chased Jews out of Malmo (not all Jews.Not yet)and you did nothing to stop it.Are you sure that saying "I deplore it" will bring them back?What did you do to stop this "ethnic cleansing"? Haaretz "80% to 90% of Muslims between the ages of 18 and 34 can’t find jobs because they can’t speak Swedish." And what will you do now?Blame Swedish society and force it to learn your language? "in Rosengard, fire trucks and ambulances are often stoned by angry Muslim youth when the emergency vehicles go there" Of course you are too busy and don't have time to talk to them...... And you blame me for criticizing you that you don't do enough to fight extremism that it seems is flourishing in your community?
They are no different from those they protect. Read this post that I copy&pasted from another poster "THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. THEN THEY CAME for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. THEN THEY CAME for me and by that time no one was left to speak up." Think about it Olia.They are as dangerous as those they defend.
when Jews liquidated many of the tribes in Israel to cleanse the land for Jewish occupation - this is in the Torah, given the power, we all use god and act like barbarians, this is the problem with humanity as a whole.
...extremism in my midst. But you are wrong there. I am very active in those matters.