Anti-Semitic incidents are also increasing in Switzerland: party leaders show solidarity with Jews

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Insults, graffiti, even physical attacks: since the outbreak of the war between Hamas and Israel, anti-Semitic incidents have also increased sharply in Switzerland. The reporting center of the Swiss Association of Jewish Communities (SIG) has received 26 reports in the past two weeks. Last year, 57 incidents were reported.

Anti-Semitic expressions on the internet are not taken into account here. Moreover, the reporting center only registers incidents in German- and Italian-speaking Switzerland. Posters or anti-Jewish statements were reported at demonstrations. In recent days, left-wing extremist circles, climate activists and communists have called for rallies under the slogan ‘From the river to the sea’. The statement denies Israel’s right to exist; in Germany there are law enforcement authorities that criminalize it.

“There should be no place for anti-Semitism”

It is not just the Jewish communities that are alarmed. The flare-up of anti-Semitism is also causing concern in politics. The chairmen of all major parties expressed their solidarity with the Jews in a joint statement on Friday.

“The Swiss parties SP, SVP, FDP, Mitte, Greens, Green Liberals and EVP clearly state: there should be no place for anti-Semitism in Switzerland,” the statement said. There is “never a justification for anti-Semitism,” party leaders said.

The SIG research shows that anti-Semitism is unfortunately still a social phenomenon that occurs in all social groups and political camps. It is the joint task of governments, parties, associations and all citizens to act against this with civil courage.

Limits to freedom of expression

SP co-chairman Cédric Wermuth (37) says that his party took the initiative for the joint statement. “The other presidents agreed within minutes.” For him, it’s about showing the boundaries very clearly. “In a democracy you can discuss a lot and have different opinions. But anti-Semitism has no place in our democracy.”

As the unauthorized meetings and calls for them show, ultra-left circles in particular have difficulty distinguishing themselves clearly from Hamas terror and sometimes spread anti-Semitic slogans in connection with the conflict in the Middle East. Wermuth distances himself from this and says: “The left must be aware that left-wing anti-Semitism also exists.”

For him, civil courage means not allowing anti-Semitism in everyday life. “It starts with small statements.”

FDP President Thierry Burkart is shocked by the fact that “the violence, threats and humiliation against our Jewish fellow citizens have increased.” “We need to take urgent action against this,” he says. Politicians have a responsibility and must take a very clear position. In addition, the protection of Jews must be guaranteed. (lha/SDA)

Source:Blick