The Danish government has unveiled an ambitious national program to stem the rise of anti-Semitism in the country, announcing an investment of 120 million kroner ($18.7 million) by 2030. The plan aims to strengthen security, education and research, amid a marked increase in anti-Jewish acts since the October 7, 2023 attack and the ensuing war in Gaza.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the new measures include increased funding for the protection of Jewish institutions, a strengthening of the fight against online hate, and the implementation of educational programs for children and teenagers. A coordinator specializing in combating antisemitism will be appointed within schools, while a new association will be dedicated specifically to monitoring and preventing antisemitic hate
The authorities are relying on worrying data: in 2024, the Danish Jewish community recorded 207 anti-Semitic incidents, compared to 121 the previous year and only nine in 2022. Since the end of 2023, the police have recorded more than 500 complaints of hate crimes linked to the keyword “Judaism”.
“Jews in Denmark should not feel persecuted or harassed,” said Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, calling for “firm consequences” against hate criminals. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen added that antisemitism “attacks the very values upon which our society is founded.”
