A pro-Palestinian demonstration in Stockholm has drawn widespread condemnation after protesters displayed a replica of the entrance gate to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, replacing the infamous Nazi slogan Arbeit Macht Frei (“Work Sets You Free”) with the word “Gaza”.
The demonstration was organised to call for the release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, who has been detained by Israel for approximately 18 months. Israeli authorities have previously alleged that Dr Abu Safiya maintained links to Hamas, allegations which his supporters deny while continuing to campaign for his release.
Protesters also demanded the release of Marwan Barghouti, a senior Palestinian political figure currently serving multiple life sentences in Israel following his conviction for involvement in terrorist attacks that killed Israeli civilians. The protest additionally called for greater protection of healthcare workers in Gaza.
As part of the demonstration, participants staged a performance portraying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu covered in fake blood, pursuing women and children beneath the replica gate before waving money. Demonstrators also carried placards reading, “Doctors are not targets. Stop killing our doctors.” Police officers present at the scene did not intervene.
The use of Holocaust imagery prompted strong criticism from Israeli officials and Jewish organisations, who argued that appropriating the symbolism of Auschwitz to portray the war in Gaza trivialises the Holocaust and constitutes Holocaust distortion.
Sweden has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, which notes that, depending on the context, “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis” may constitute antisemitism. Critics argued that the display fell within this example.
Israel’s Ambassador to Sweden, Ziv Nevo Kulman, condemned the incident, expressing concern over what he described as a growing pattern of antisemitic incidents in Sweden.
“I am following with deep concern the recent antisemitic incidents in Sweden,” Ambassador Kulman said. “Whether it is a Jewish doctor subjected to verbal abuse at work, reports of healthcare workers participating in demonstrations where antisemitic statements were heard, or yet another weekly demonstration distorting the Holocaust in ways that leave me shocked, the pattern is deeply troubling.”
He added: “How many more times can we condemn the same hatred? When will those responsible understand that failing to act against incitement only emboldens those who spread it?”
The Official Council of Jewish Communities in Sweden also strongly criticised the protest. Its chairman, Aaron Verständig, described the display as “profoundly offensive and deeply repugnant”, stating that trivialising the Holocaust in this manner was unacceptable.
Daniel Schatz, a Swedish-Jewish researcher, also criticised the authorities’ response, noting that the demonstration took place openly in front of police officers without any visible intervention.
The incident has renewed concerns about the increasing use of Holocaust imagery in political demonstrations and the normalisation of rhetoric and symbolism that many Jewish organisations consider to be antisemitic and deeply offensive.
