May 22, 2025 – The Swedish Government has adopted a national strategy aimed at strengthening Jewish life in the country and combating antisemitism. This strategic document provides a framework for national efforts from 2025 to 2034, with a focus on creating better conditions for Jewish life in Sweden.
The objective of the strategy is to lay the foundations for more targeted and coordinated efforts to combat antisemitism and promote Jewish culture in Sweden. The initiative comes as the country marks the 250th anniversary of Jewish life in Sweden, highlighting the importance of preserving this valuable part of its cultural heritage.
“Jewish culture is a natural part of our Swedish cultural heritage and our society – past, present and future,” said Parisa Liljestrand, Minister for Culture. “We aim to strengthen the conditions for Jewish life in Sweden, ensuring that Jews feel safe and able to express their identity without fear of hate or violence.”
The strategy acknowledges the unique threat posed by antisemitism, which has a history of adapting to new forms and contexts. Ministers Nina Larsson (Gender Equality and Working Life) and Jakob Forssmed (Social Affairs and Public Health) emphasized the need for collective action to counteract this development.
“Various expressions of antisemitism pose a threat not only to individuals but to democratic society as a whole,” said Minister Larsson. “It is our joint responsibility to counteract this development.”
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
- Knowledge, education, and research about Jewish life;
- Jewish culture and Swedish-Jewish cultural heritage;
- Safety and openness – efforts to combat antisemitism.
The strategy builds on previous reports and action plans, including the “Strengthened Jewish Life for Future Generations” report (SOU 2024:3) and the Government’s “Action Plan to Combat Racism and Hate Crime” (A2024/01394).
Implementation and Collaboration
When the strategy was adopted, several government agencies were tasked with contributing to its implementation, including the Swedish National Archives, Living History Forum, Swedish Police Authority, and Swedish Defence Research Agency.
Conclusion
The adoption of this national strategy marks an important step towards promoting Jewish life in Sweden and combating antisemitism. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and respectful society for all members of the Jewish community.