Kathmandu— Simona Mohamsson, Sweden’s minister for education and integration, ignited controversy by wearing a Star of David necklace during a televised political debate this week, explaining she did so to highlight increasing anti-Semitism in Sweden and “for the children who do not dare to” display Jewish symbols. The move, while praised by some within the Swedish Jewish community, drew criticism from commentators and accusations of self-hatred, particularly given Mohamsson’s Palestinian heritage; it also comes amid a broader rise in reported anti-Semitic incidents across Europe since the start of Israel's war on Gaza. Mohamsson, who identifies as an atheist, has used the issue to criticize political opponents she accuses of enabling anti-Semitism.

A Minister’s Background and Political Rise

Born in 1994 to a Palestinian father and Lebanese mother, Simona Mohamsson spent her early childhood in Germany before moving to Sweden at age eight. Her family changed their surname from Mohammad to Mohamsson upon immigrating. Mohamsson became involved in politics at an early age, joining Sweden’s Liberal Party in 2021 after serving as vice-chair of its youth wing and representing the party in European parliamentary elections in 2024. She was appointed leader of the Swedish Liberal Party in 2025, outlining a platform focused on strengthening schools, combating gang violence, and addressing welfare issues.

The Symbolism and Response to the Necklace

During Monday night’s televised debate, Mohamsson explained her decision to wear the Star of David as a statement of solidarity with Jewish people in Sweden who fear openly expressing their identity. She later told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that it was particularly important for someone with her background to demonstrate support for a “sanctuary for Jews” and distance herself from those exploiting conflict to spread anti-Semitism. However, Valley Ghanem, Malmo city’s official adviser on Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism, responded with harsh criticism on Instagram, calling Mohamsson a “self-hating creature” and posting a message wishing her harm – which she later retracted, claiming it was an emotional reaction to the violence in Gaza.

Rising Anti-Semitism in Europe

The incident comes against a backdrop of increasing anti-Semitic incidents across Europe. According to the European Commission, attacks have become more frequent since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023. Sweden recorded over 200 acts of anti-Semitic violence in 2024, a significant increase from the 111 reported in 2022. A recent study by the EU’s Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) found that nearly all European Jews surveyed had experienced anti-Semitism in the year prior to the study, with concerns about personal and family safety widespread. The FRA report covered 13 EU countries.

Navigating a Sensitive Political Landscape

Mohamsson has largely refrained from extensive public commentary on Israel’s actions in Gaza, focusing instead on the resulting rise in anti-Semitism within Sweden. When questioned about potentially moving Sweden’s embassy to Jerusalem, she emphasized prioritizing humanitarian solutions and securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. She previously stated that “Anti-Semitism is spreading even in our schools,” adding that teachers report difficulties discussing the Holocaust and contemporary anti-Semitism without facing relativization or silence. Some Swedish politicians of Palestinian heritage have criticized her party for what they perceive as a lack of attention to events in Gaza.

The debate surrounding Mohamsson’s actions continues, highlighting the complex intersection of identity, political symbolism, and rising anti-Semitism in Europe.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.