Since Hamas’ terrorist attack, there has been a worrying and completely unacceptable rise in antisemitism in Denmark. The conflict in the Middle East is being used to create insecurity, especially among Jews in Denmark.
Therefore, the Danish government and all parties in the Danish Parliament have agreed on 12 new initiatives to strengthen the fight against antisemitism.
These initiatives include the possibility of increased penalties for hate crimes, mapping antisemitism on social media, strengthened monitoring of antisemitism on the platforms of tech giants, and the development of educational materials. These measures supplement the action plan against antisemitism from January 2022.
Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard said, “Europe and the rest of the world are currently experiencing an epidemic of antisemitism, which is deeply worrying. Time and again, we read about harassment and threats against Jews or vandalism with antisemitic motives. Swastikas painted on doors or on streets. Jew hatred on social media. The media reported that a 12-year-old girl in France has been raped—allegedly because she is Jewish. It’s disgusting. It is frightening. And it must be stopped.”
“Denmark must be a country that is safe for everyone. Therefore, the government and all parties in the Danish Parliament have today presented a number of new initiatives in the fight against antisemitism. We will, among other things, allow the police to toughen the penalties for hate crimes for a limited period, and we will take a stronger stand against antisemitism on social media.”
The Jewish Community of Denmark welcomed the initiatives to combat antisemitism in the country.
“If you look around the world, it is far from a given that a broad majority actively combats antisemitism. The agreement follows a consistent theme in Danish history, where the relationship between the Jewish minority and the majority of Danes has been characterized by tolerance, openness, and mutual respect. It is a good and important story for Denmark and Danish democracy,” said Chairman of the Jewish Community Henri Goldstein.
“Education and dialogue are the only ways we can ensure that antisemitism does not take root in Denmark. This applies to antisemitism as well as other forms of racism and discrimination,” said Goldstein, emphasizing that physical security around Jewish institutions is of the utmost importance.
