In 2012 and 2013, the number of reported antisemitic hate crimes nearly tripled in Malmö, Sweden’s third city, and the surrounding region compared to 2010 and 2011. This goes against the trend in the rest of Sweden.
Local authorities say the increase reflects the fact that the police are taking the problem more seriously and that there is growing confidence in the police.
Malmö’s new mayor, Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, has also vowed to fight hatred against Jews.
“As a politician in Malmö, I will in any way I can work against antisemitism and other forms of racism, in word and in deed,” she said.
Ms Stjernfeldt Jammeh’s predecessor, Ilmar Reepalu, faced widespread criticism for failing to address Malmö’s problem with antisemitism.
Police are taking the problem more seriously
Ms Stjernfeldt Jammeh, who took up the post as mayor in July, says she has been in contact with the Jewish community and that she looks forward to co-operating with them.
Thomas Bull, head of the Malmö police’s hate crime unit, told local media that hate crimes are being taken more seriously and he hopes for convictions in at least five investigated cases.
