World Jewish Congress condemns firebomb attack on Swedish synagogue

NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress has expressed extreme concern after a gang of masked men hurled firebombs at a synagogue in the Swedish city of Gothenburg on Saturday night.  “Anti-Semitic violence will never be tolerated; we call on all European governments to make this message infinitely clear and enforced,” said WJC CEO Robert Singer.

“The terror targeting the Jewish community in Gothenburg is a cause for extreme concern and vigilance. There can be no tolerance for any anti-Semitic violence or hate speech of any kind, and the World Jewish Congress stands vigilant in its support of the Swedish community,” Singer said. “We urge the Swedish authorities to take every measure possible to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its citizens. No person should ever have to live in fear or danger.”

“On my recent visit to Sweden I held in-depth discussions with members of the community and they made it clear to me that their security in the face of rising anti-Semitism was their greatest concern. During my visit, I met with Sweden's minister of justice, the minister of democracy responsible for minorities, the national police commissioner, and the chief of police for Greater Gothenberg on this issue. We trust that the Swedish authorities are taking responsibility for the safety of the community and its venues and are treating this matter with the utmost attentiveness and seriousness, and we stand ready to provide all forms of support,” Singer added.

“Just a few months ago, on the eve of Yom Kippur, the Gothenburg community was faced with a serious neo-Nazi demonstration scheduled to march past its synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish year, which was derailed following intervention by the local administrative court in Gothenburg, and after significant measures taken by the community, and with our assistance, all at the highest levels,” Singer said.

"Anti-Semitism is rearing its ugly head on both the right and the left across Europe, but regardless of where it is coming from, it will not be tolerated. We call on the governments of Sweden and all European countries to make this message infinitely clear and enforced,” said Singer.