The Swedish Government has announced its first national strategy to strengthen Jewish life and combat antisemitism, marking a historic ten-year commitment running from 2025 to 2034.
The strategy seeks to lay the foundations for more targeted, structured, and coordinated efforts to support Jewish communities and address the threat of antisemitism across Swedish society.
At a press conference, Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand underlined the importance of the initiative: “Jewish culture is a natural part of our Swedish cultural heritage and our society – yesterday, today and in the future. Being able to feel safe and be open about one’s identity, regardless of context, should be a matter of course for all of us – including Swedish Jews. With this strategy, the government aims to strengthen the conditions for Jewish life in Sweden.”
The ten-year strategy emphasises that all sectors of society must be engaged in combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish life.
Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Nina Larsson highlighted the evolving nature of antisemitism: “Various expressions of antisemitism pose a threat not only to individuals but to democratic society as a whole. Antisemitism has a disturbing ability to adapt to new forms, contexts and places. It has spread fear and curtailed freedom for centuries, and in recent years we have seen worrying signs of its resurgence. It is the responsibility of us all to counter this development.”
The strategy is being launched in the same year that Sweden marks 250 years of established Jewish life within its borders. Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed added: “Jewish life is a valuable and intrinsic part of our society. It should be entirely normal for Jews in Sweden to wear a Star of David or a kippah openly, with joy and pride. Sadly, this is not always the case. More must be done to ensure that Jews feel safe and can express their identity without fear of hatred, threats or violence.”
The national strategy outlines three central focus areas:
- Knowledge, Education and Research about Jewish Life
- Jewish Culture and Swedish-Jewish Cultural Heritage
- Safety and Openness – Combating Antisemitism
Each of these pillars is accompanied by concrete objectives aimed at creating long-term impact and ensuring meaningful implementation.
The strategy builds on the findings of the government report A Strong Jewish Life for Future Generations – National Strategy for Strengthening Jewish Life in Sweden 2025–2034 (SOU 2024:3), and is aligned with the Government’s Action Plan against Racism and Hate Crime (A2024/01394).
To support the strategy’s rollout, several government agencies have been given dedicated assignments. These include the National Archives, the Forum for Living History, the Police Authority, and the Swedish Defence Research Institute – all tasked with contributing to the realisation of the strategy’s goals.
This landmark initiative signifies a determined step by the Swedish Government to protect its Jewish communities, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure that all citizens can live freely and safely, regardless of their identity.
