The government is investing heavily in Jewish life and the Holocaust.

Published December 19, 2024 at 6:23 p.m.

Domestic. The government is now carrying out a comprehensive initiative to mark the 250th anniversary of Jewish life in Sweden and the remembrance of the Holocaust. A wide range of authorities are involved in the work.

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Late last Friday, the government launched a new and comprehensive national action plan to combat antisemitism and other specific forms of “racism”.

Now they are presenting another major initiative, both on Jews in general and on antisemitism and the Holocaust.

The year 2025 marks 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden, a historical milestone that the government plans to commemorate with a series of initiatives.

A number of authorities, such as the Royal Library, the National Heritage Board and the Swedish National Council for Arts, have been tasked with contributing to the celebration and spreading knowledge about the Jewish minority and its cultural heritage.

– 2025 is a historically important year in several ways. The government wants to draw attention to the Jewish minority in our country, as well as vigorously continue the work against anti-Semitism. We also want to encourage all parts of society to join in and mark the 250th anniversary of established Jewish life in Sweden. When anti-Semitic hate crimes are increasing in Sweden, all good forces must be extra clear. Jewish culture and Jewish history are part of Swedish culture and Sweden's history, says Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M) in a press release.

The Swedish Council for Culture will also distribute special grants to actors who work to make Jewish culture and language visible. The Swedish Institute (SI) will disseminate information about the anniversary internationally via Swedish embassies.

– The mission also includes marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration in Memory of the Holocaust. Several of our embassies, including in Tel Aviv, will pay special attention to the anniversary year, says Minister of International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M).

The government is also focusing on the Holocaust in connection with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Holocaust Authority Forum for Living History is tasked with “raising awareness” in various channels, as well as developing and disseminating various types of information material. The material is to be aimed at students, participants in general education, and staff in the school system, general education, and the public sector – but also at the general public. The task also includes providing and developing training courses aimed at these target groups.

– As a national library, the Royal Library has an important role in highlighting the Jewish cultural heritage in Sweden – not least at a time when we see a plethora of anti-Semitism spreading across our country. We must counteract all these expressions through knowledge, so that children and young people do not inherit prejudice. The initiative based on the book “…of this you may tell…” will also be an important part of raising awareness about the Holocaust, says Minister of Education Johan Pehrson (L).

The government is also continuing its investment in the Collection for Jewish Life, where the focus in 2025 will be on strengthening the conditions for Jewish life in Sweden, while security issues remain a priority.

Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed (KD) also emphasizes the importance of the initiatives.

– 2025 will also be 250 years since Sweden's first Jewish congregation was formed. The Jewish religious communities and associations have since been an important part of civil society in Sweden. The fact that Jews and Jewish communities are now experiencing threats and increased insecurity is very serious, and it must be met with force throughout society, he says.