Sweden: Muslims express solidarity with Jews following synanogue attack
Muslim representatives in Swedish city Malmo visited synagogue in solidarity with the community following the attacks against the declaration of Jerusalem as Israels capital. Photo: thelocal.se
(Web Desk) – Trump’s decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has caused an uproar around the world. But in Sweden, Muslims and Christians rallied around the Jewish community in solidarity visiting a synagogue and condemning an attack on a synanogue that occurred over the weekend.
Around 200 people rallied in Malmo, shouting and protesting against Donald Trump’s decision after he recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
The Independent reported that in Sweden’s city of Gothenbury, a group of young people attacked a synagogue by throwing flamed objects at the building.
Following the incident, Muslim representatives visited Malmo’s synagogue in solidarity with the community. Alaeddin al-Qut, head of Ibn Rushd society, an Islamic study group, stated that they wanted to show sympathy and solidarity with Jews in Malmo and condemned all forms of racism and anti-Semitism in any form.
Ala Eddin Al-Qut, activities head at Islamic educational organization Ibn Rushd on a visit to a synagogue in Malmö. Photo: thelocal.se
"This is a very good initiative. We may have different views, but it is important we can have a normal conversation and speak to each other," said Freddy Gellberg, a spokesperson of Malmo’s Jewish community.
Archbishop Antje Jackelen wrote a column in newspaper Dagen addressing the Jewish communities in Gothenburg and Malmo. “I would like to assure you of the solidarity of the Swedish church in the fight against anti-Semitism and violence in the name of religion.”
People in connection with the synagogue attack incident have been arrested on suspicion of attempted arson.
Witnesses stated that they saw a dozen masked youths throwing flamed objects into the garden surrounding the synagogue. During the time of attack, the synagogue was hosting a youth event with 20 to 30 attendees in the community centre. No injuries were reported and no damage was done to the synagogue.
Stefan Lofven, Sweden’s prime minister condemned the events, while security increased around the Jewish centres in Stockholm.
"There is no place for anti-Semitism in our Swedish society. The perpetrators will be held accountable."
He urged "all democratic forces" in Sweden to work together to create "a tolerant and open society where everyone feels safe".
