Antisemitic hate crimes rose sharply in Sweden, with reports increasing by more than 450% in the period after Oct. 7.
By Shula Rosen
A “Jude Free Zone” sign invoking Nazi-era language was placed on the door of a shoe repair shop in Stockholm, Sweden, drawing condemnation from Jewish organizations and local leaders before the store owner removed it.
The phrase mirrors Judenfrei, the Nazi-era term meaning free of Jews. Stickers supporting the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement appeared alongside the sign.
A second sign featuring a map of Israel declared the shop an “Apartheid Free Zone.” Both were removed by the owner following criticism.
Controversial Swedish street artist Dan Park claimed responsibility for the “Jude Free Zone” poster.
In a photo posted to X on Saturday, Park was shown attaching the small white sign to the store window, where the “Apartheid Free Zone” notice was already displayed.
Park, who has previous convictions for hate speech and racist provocations, maintains that he is neither antisemitic nor racist and says his work is intended to provoke thought.
His previous work has incorporated Nazi and Holocaust imagery.
In 2009, Park was arrested over an installation outside the Jewish community center in Malmö featuring a perforated plywood heart, a swastika and a can labeled “Zyklon B,” the poison gas used by the Nazis to murder Jews during the Holocaust.
Park also created an image depicting Hitler weeping tears of blood while wearing a crown of thorns, like Jesus, accompanied by the words “He too died for our sins.”
The incident occurred amid recorded increases in antisemitic hate crimes and sentiments in Sweden.
According to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå), recorded antisemitic hate crimes rose sharply after late 2023, with reports increasing by more than 450% in the immediate period following October 7, 2023.
A Swedish study covering 2020 to 2025 also recorded an average 15% increase in antisemitic sentiments among the general population.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!