Increase in antisemitic attitudes in Sweden

The new report, Antisemitic Attitudes in Sweden: A Comparison Between 2020 and 2025, shows that there has been a negative shift in attitudes towards Jews between 2020 and 2025. The findings indicate an average increase of approximately 15 per cent across the various forms of antisemitic attitudes examined: social distance from Jews, traditional and Holocaust-related antisemitism, as well as antisemitism related to Israel. The change includes both an increase in the proportion of respondents agreeing with antisemitic statements and a decrease in the proportion rejecting them.

A Concerning Shift in the Trend

Participants in the survey were asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed with or rejected statements expressing antisemitic attitudes and beliefs. These included statements such as “Jews have too much influence in the world today” and “Because of Israel’s policies, I increasingly dislike Jews”. Respondents were also asked whether they would accept a Jewish person as a neighbour, employer, family member, or Prime Minister.

The most significant change in 2025 compared with 2020 is that fewer respondents clearly rejected antisemitic statements, which may partly be interpreted as growing ambivalence towards, or acceptance of, antisemitic beliefs. The findings represent a clear break in trend compared with the Living History Forum’s earlier studies, which found a decline in antisemitic attitudes between 2005 and 2020.

“This is a troubling development. The findings are also consistent with what other studies have shown, both in terms of hate crime statistics, the scale and spread of antisemitism on social media, and Jews’ own experiences of exposure and vulnerability. This is a serious issue, both for those affected and for society as a whole,” says Petra Mårselius, Director-General of the Living History Forum.

Antisemitic Attitudes Present Across Different Segments of the Population

The study shows that antisemitic attitudes and beliefs exist across different sections of the population. Groups displaying comparatively higher levels of antisemitic attitudes include men, older individuals, people born outside Europe, people identifying as Muslim, and those who sympathise with the Sweden Democrats. The findings also indicate a connection with other value-related factors, such as authoritarian attitudes and conspiratorial thinking.

“It is important to emphasise that these are average differences between groups. It should also be stressed that findings concerning antisemitic attitudes among party supporters should not be confused with any potential issues relating to antisemitism within political parties,” says report author Henrik Bachner.

Several Contributing Factors Likely Behind the Increase

The results point to a broader shift in public attitudes. The increase between 2020 and 2025 remains evident even when taking into account differences in factors such as age, region of birth, and religious affiliation among respondents. While the causes of this attitudinal shift are difficult to establish with certainty, it is likely to be the result of several interacting factors.

“We do not know precisely when this shift in attitudes began, but it is likely linked to the intensification of antisemitism observed across Europe following Hamas’s terrorist attack in Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza — developments that have also left their mark on Sweden. Another factor that should be taken into account is the role of social media in the spread, amplification, and normalisation of anti-Jewish content,” says report author Meriam Chatty.

About the Study

The study was commissioned by the Swedish Government and is based on two survey studies conducted in 2020 and 2025. The 2025 survey was conducted by Statistics Sweden (SCB) on behalf of the Living History Forum and targeted the Swedish general public. The sample included 30,258 individuals aged 18–74, of whom 6,789 responded to the survey. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the population. The 2020 survey was conducted by Novus.

Presentation of the Findings

On Tuesday, 9 June, between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. the report authors will present the findings of the study and participate in a panel discussion with invited guests. The presentation will be in Swedish.

Advance registration is required. Please bring valid press credentials.

The presentation will be recorded and available to watch here: Report Launch: Antisemitic Attitudes in Sweden – Living History Forum

For Registration and Media Enquiries

Jonas Sverin, Press Officer, Living History Forum
Telephone: +46 72 070 03 92
Email: jonas.sverin@levandehistoria.se