New factsheet sheds light on antisemitism and Jewish life in Finland

A new factsheet published by the Prime Minister’s Office on 27 January provides up-to-date information on antisemitism and the history and current situation of the Jewish minority in Finland. The publication aims to support the authorities, decision-making, education and preventive work.

Studies in recent years show that antisemitism has been on the rise both internationally and in Finland. This development has affected Jewish communities, creating a heightened sense of insecurity and intensifying experiences of discrimination. Antisemitism is not only about the attitudes of individuals, it is a broad societal phenomenon that can undermine trust in institutions and weaken the foundations of democracy. The phenomenon also affects the small but diverse Jewish minority in Finland.

The factsheet was produced as part of the Government Equality Project and was put together by Mercédesz Czimbalmos, Researcher at Åbo Akademi University. The factsheet is based on an earlier study commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and the Human Rights Centre and on Finnish and international research data on Jewish life and antisemitism.

The publication also presents a widely-used, non-binding definition of antisemitism put forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which provides authorities and organisations with a tool for identifying and combating the phenomenon.

Other information: Mercédesz Czimbalmos, Project Researcher, Åbo Akademi University, [email protected]