National Agency for Education to help highlight 250th anniversary of Jewish life in Sweden in schools

“The anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the Jewish community, Jewish culture and Jewish cultural heritage in schools across the country. At the same time, it remains crucial to increase knowledge about the Holocaust and teach our pupils about current forms and expressions of antisemitism,” says Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm.

“Jewish culture has long played an integral role in Swedish culture. That being said, there is still a need to enhance knowledge about the Jewish community and its history in Sweden. And schools play an important role in imparting such knowledge to future generations,” says Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand.

Several government agencies have been tasked with highlighting the 250th anniversary of Jewish life in Sweden. The Living History Forum will carry out several initiatives in connection with the anniversary, which includes producing information material and raising awareness. The National Agency for Education will highlight the anniversary by sharing knowledge and providing suggestions on how it can be celebrated in schools.

“Schools have an essential role to play in combating hate and prejudice. At a time when antisemitism has once again reared its ugly head on our streets, it is more important than ever to increase awareness about Jewish life, history and culture. Giving pupils a broader understanding of the Jewish experience – from historical persecution to everyday life in the present day – provides insight and resilience to hate and conspiracy theories,” says Mathias Bengtsson, spokesperson on education policy issues for the Christian Democrats.