Danes march against rise of anti-Semitism in Europe

World Today

March against rise of anti-Semitism in Europe

In Denmark’s capital, hundreds of people wearing Jewish symbols marched through a predominantly Muslim district. They protested against the rise of anti-Semitism seen across Europe. CCTV America’s Malcolm Brabant reports from Copenhagen.

March against rise of anti-Semitism in Europe

In Denmark's capital, hundreds of people wearing Jewish symbols marched through a predominantly Muslim district. They protested against the rise of anti-Semitism seen across Europe. CCTV America's Malcolm Brabant reports from Copenhagen.

Safety in numbers gave people the courage to wear Jewish symbols in a hostile part of the Danish capital. Normally, Jews keep their stars of David and head coverings (Yamulkes) hidden from view.

Non-Jews wore the Yamulkas to demonstrate solidarity with this ancient and often persecuted minority. Denmark, after all, was rare among nations in that it helped to save its Jewish population during the Nazi occupation in the second world war.

A handful of pro-Palestinian supporters watched the march in silent disdain. Muslims are accused of being behind the rise of anti-Semitism, being unwilling or unprepared to accept the difference between Scandinavian Jews and Israel and its policies.

Despite fears before this demonstration that there might possibly be clashes between the local population who are predominantly Muslim and the marchers, the event went on peacefully. It’s a sign of just how civilized Denmark is that there was no need for riot policemen, and that these marchers were protected by ordinary officers.

Jewish community leaders say anti-Semitism has never been as bad as it is now, even during previous conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians. An increasing number of Scandinavian Jews who have lived here for generations are considering moving to Israel because they say the levels of hatred in Europe are becoming untenable.