Sweden rallies for Israel, demanding release of hostages from Hamas

The Jewish Community of Malmö, Sweden, held a march “to commemorate the victims of the terrorist events of October 7, 2023, and also to demand the release of the hostages held by Hamas,” according to the community’s invitation.

A surprisingly large number of people came – around 300. There wasn’t much conversation among the participants, as they were all absorbed in watching pictures of the hostages. Silence dominated the atmosphere.

After about 15 minutes, Sunday’s march moved to Gustav Adolf Square, about 20 minutes away. Upon arrival, the event organizers played some melancholy musical pieces, adding solemnity and sadness to the event.

Support for Israel

Soon after, the speakers began their addresses. The first speaker was Sweden’s Labor and Integration Minister Mats Persson, who was visibly moved by the atmosphere. “What happened is the largest killing of Jews since the Holocaust,” he said in his lengthy speech.

“Hamas terrorists aim to exterminate the Jews,” Persson said. “Sweden stands by Israel and its legitimate right to defend its existence. The countries of the world must take full responsibility in this matter. Hamas must release the Israeli hostages so they can return home. Hatred against Jews must end.”

Next to speak was Andreas Biro, a writer and opinion leader, who offered “a salute to the Israelis who defended their homeland and to those who show love and warmth to each other in times of war. The conflict now is between darkness and light.” Biro also reaffirmed his full support for Israel, as well as for Ukraine against Russia.

Amanda Wollstad, editor-in-chief of Svensk Tidskrift, also spoke. “Young people, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and small children are still sitting in tunnels, and their loved ones don’t know if they are alive or dead,” she said.

Their families “don’t know how they are being treated or when they will be able to return home,” lamented Wollstad, who has never missed an opportunity to help organize such events since the terrorist attacks on October 7.

“It is terrible to hope but not to know,” she said. “Negotiations and attempts to release the hostages are ongoing. We don’t know how much time has passed, nor how much time is left.”

Persson, in exclusive remarks to The Jerusalem Post, said, “I am here to honor those who fell victim to the horrific invasion by the terrorist organization. It is also important to draw attention to the horrific events, not least the hostages who are still being held and must be released.”

Henrik Rosenberg of the Jewish Community in Malmö made great efforts to ensure that the event went smoothly. Some Hamas supporters tried to disrupt the dignified event, however, by shouting derogatory remarks and calling for a boycott of Israel. They showed no respect for the fact that the event was in memory of victims and a call for the release of hostages. The heavy police presence prevented things from getting out of hand.

Despite the many events organized by Arabs in Sweden and left-wing groups allied with them in support of Hamas, none of them have faced any type of harassment.