Antisemitic Attitudes Rise Sharply in Sweden From 2020 to 2025, New Studies Reveal

Recent comprehensive studies conducted by the Forum för levande historia and Statistics Sweden have revealed a significant increase in antisemitic attitudes across Sweden between 2020 and 2025. This marks a reversal of a previously declining trend that lasted from 2005 to 2020.

The key study analyzed responses from nearly 6,800 individuals aged 18 to 74, supplemented by a larger government-commissioned survey involving over 30,000 participants. Findings indicate that antisemitism in Sweden has increased by approximately 15%, showing a deterioration in public sentiments towards Jews across several dimensions.

The research identifies three primary categories of antisemitism: social distancing from Jews, traditional Holocaust-related beliefs, and Israel-related antisemitism. While most respondents still express some level of acceptance of Jewish individuals in roles such as neighbors or in leadership, overall positivity has declined. Support for having a Jewish prime minister fell notably from 50% in 2020 to 41% in 2025, with the percentage of those holding negative opinions rising to 14%.

More respondents are agreeing with traditional antisemitic beliefs, including conspiracies about Jewish influence and Holocaust exploitation falling from 62% rejecting such ideas in 2020 to 51% in 2025. The proportion rejecting claims that Swedish Jews are more loyal to Israel than Sweden also dropped to 22%. These shifts point to a worrying normalization of antisemitic views.

Demographic analysis shows higher antisemitic attitudes among men, older individuals, non-European born persons, those with Muslim affiliations, and supporters of the Sweden Democrats. Experts attribute the rising animosity partly to the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing Gaza conflict, as well as the influence of social media in spreading divisive messages.

Meriam Chatty, a co-author of the report, called the trend "disturbing" and emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness and educational initiatives. Petra Mårselius of Forum för levande historia acknowledged that the rise in antisemitism was somewhat anticipated but remains deeply concerning for both victims and society.

The findings highlight a critical societal challenge and underscore the importance of sustained efforts involving research, education, and policy to combat growing antisemitism in Sweden.