A Swedish journalist suggests Jews themselves cause anti-Semitism, blaming the victims for crimes perpetrated against them.
Radio Sweden (SR), the nation’s public radio broadcaster, apologized after it insinuated that Jews are responsible for anti-Semitism, AFP reports.
During an Interview on Tuesday, a radio presenter questioned the Israeli ambassador to Sweden about whether the Jews generate anti-Semitism. This inquiry was presented in a discussion of a Muslim terrorist’s shooting of a Jew in Denmark on Saturday.
Israeli Ambassador to Sweden Isaac Bachman. (Photo: MFA)
The presenter asked Ambassador Isaac Bachman on air, “Are Jews themselves responsible for the progression of anti-Semitism?”
The ambassador appeared shocked by the suggestion, and replied: “I purely and simply reject the question.”
When the journalist asked why, Bachman responded, “There was no reason to ask this question.”
The station removed the program from its online archive and issued a full apology, AFP reports.
“We offer our fullest apologies for this question. It was misleading and put blame on individuals and on a vilified group,” SR’s senior management said in a statement on its website. “The Jewish community has suffered a horrible act of terror and has all our sympathy,” the statement added.
Sweden has become notorious for its own anti-Semitism.
Tension Between Jerusalem and Stockholm
Jerusalem and Stockholm have been waging a low-key diplomatic battle since Sweden became the first major European Union country to recognize the non-existent state of “Palestine” in October.
The Foreign Ministry summoned the Swedish ambassador to Israel for a reprimand following Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven’s statement of recognition of “Palestine.”
Israel recalled its ambassador in response to Sweden’s questionable diplomatic decision, agreeing to return the ambassador only a month later.
Later on in January, Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom indefinitely postponed a planned trip to Israel, in response to Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman’s refusal to meet with her when she came.
By: United with Israel Staff