Swedish Minister of Education Johan Pehrson published an article in Aftonbladet addressing the rise in antisemitism at the country’s universities.
He voiced concern over the growing insecurity felt by Jewish students and faculty, citing cases where individuals conceal their identity out of fear of threats or violence.
Pehrson underscored that while freedom of expression and the right to protest are fundamental, they must never be misused to justify antisemitism or the glorification of terrorist organisations.
He announced plans to meet with university rectors to discuss the issue and stressed the urgent need for society to respond forcefully to antisemitism.
“Antisemitism has become increasingly present in our society. Antisemitic messages are now spread during demonstrations, on social media, and even from the benches of Parliament. Since Hamas’s abhorrent pogrom on 7 October 2023, more and more Jews in Sweden have reported a growing sense of insecurity following in the wake of antisemitism.
Swedish universities and higher education institutions are no exception. During this period, several of the country’s institutions have been at the centre of protests and actions.
It is evident that there are Jewish students and lecturers who feel unsafe due to the current climate. In Lund, students report hiding their Jewish identity for fear of threats and violence. A few weeks ago, reports emerged that HDK-Valand had provided space for a student exhibition which, among other things, relativised the 7 October terror attack by Hamas.
Civil rights such as freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate are constitutionally protected, but they are not absolute and are subject to certain limitations. This includes incitement to racial hatred or encouragement of terrorist acts.
For what does it mean for a Jewish student to be assessed by a lecturer who praises antisemitic terrorist organisations? It is far from certain that such a student would feel safe expressing their Jewish identity openly in that learning environment.
I have great respect for the difficult situation facing many of the country’s vice-chancellors. They have become targets of aggressive campaigns aiming to pressure institutions into ending potential cooperation with their Israeli counterparts. Researchers active in public debate have had their offices vandalised. University buildings have been subjected to criminal damage. Academic freedom has come under considerable pressure from anti-democratic actors.
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza following Hamas’s October pogrom and Israel’s response is appalling. The human suffering is immense, and it is entirely understandable that many feel great sorrow and anger. But that sorrow and anger must never be allowed to justify antisemitism, glorification of terrorism, or any other form of abuse against Jews in Sweden.
Student and staff protests must take place within the framework of existing laws and regulations. It is unacceptable that Jewish students, researchers, and lecturers should feel targeted in an environment that ought to be characterised by knowledge and safety.
Antisemitism is a poison that must be fought with the full force of society. That is why the Liberal Party has proposed that synagogues be designated as specially protected sites and that foreign hate preachers be banned from entering Sweden.
The government maintains ongoing dialogue with relevant actors, including the Jewish Youth Council and the Central Council of Jewish Communities, and has launched several initiatives to strengthen Jewish life in Sweden and combat antisemitism.
In the near future, I will also take the initiative to convene a meeting with the vice-chancellors of Sweden’s higher education institutions to discuss how we can address the vulnerability currently experienced by many Jewish students and lecturers. To me, it is self-evident: Jew-hatred must not be tolerated at Swedish universities and higher education institutions.”
