European rabbis to Sweden on Torah burning: Amend laws, ensure unity

Controversy erupted this week after the Swedish authorities granted approval for a second demonstration in which a Quran is set to be burned. 

This comes on the heels of a related incident at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm just a week ago. The Swedish embassy in Baghdad faced the brunt of the outrage when it was stormed in protest.

In response to these events, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association, penned an urgent letter addressed to Swedish leaders, condemning both the violence and the exploitation of the Swedish constitution. 

What did he say in the letter?

The Rabbi’s letter, sent on Thursday, urged the Swedish King, Government, and authorities to address the significant loophole within their legislation that allows such divisive actions.

Margolin said that “a constitution should be designed to protect all citizens. It’s clear that these burnings are an abuse of the privileges from the constitution by those with a divisive agenda.”

He then elaborated on the need for a balance in the exercise of fundamental rights: “The right to freedom and protest is paramount, but it should never infringe upon another’s fundamental rights, especially their faith and traditions.

“We must work together to amend the constitution, closing loopholes that allow those who seek confrontation and division to flourish in Sweden.”

A week prior, Swedish police permitted the burning of sacred Jewish and Christian texts outside Israel’s embassy in Stockholm. This act drew swift widespread international condemnation.

Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, voiced their strong objection. The incidents have intensified debates regarding freedom of speech and the potential consequences of religious insensitivity, prompting many to call for dialogue and understanding amidst rising tensions.