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Facing Death Chants and Hate Crimes, Sweden's Jews Live in a Climate of Fear
(Times of Israel) Josefin Dolsten - In Sweden's third largest city, Malmo, at an October pro-Palestinian rally, the protesters screamed "Death to the Jews" and "More stabbings," Jehoshua Kaufman, head of communications for Malmo's Jewish community, recalls. "Right now, a lot of Jews in Sweden are scared. Parents are scared to drop off their kids at the Jewish preschool," says Johanna Schreiber, a Jewish journalist who lives in Stockholm. "People of all ages are scared of going to synagogue." Expressing public support for Israel can be dangerous. During a 2009 rally in Malmo, organized by Kaufman, the small crowd of Israel supporters was forced to abandon the event after police were unable to stop thousands of pro-Palestinian backers from storming the barricades and running towards the group. The Swedish government is known for its staunch support of the Palestinian cause and criticism of Israel. Statements such as those made by Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom have created a climate where constant criticism of Israel is the norm. Pro-Palestinian groups are eligible to receive governmental funds to conduct lobbying activities.