Following a heated debate on antisemitism at Copenhagen City Hall, an independent member of the Copenhagen City Council, Finn Rudaizky, has proposed a study trip to Auschwitz for city council members. The proposal aims to provide politicians with a crucial “history lesson” and a deeper understanding of antisemitism, which Rudaizky believes is lacking among some members.
Rudaizky’s proposal will be discussed at a City Council meeting on August 21st. He hopes it will address what he sees as a growing issue of insufficient understanding regarding the importance of combating antisemitism within the council.
The proposal stems from a debate at the end of June regarding the inclusion of the word “antisemitism” in a proposal to develop initiatives against racism and discrimination in primary schools. While Liberal Alliance, Venstre (Liberals), De Konservative (Conservatives), and Rudaizky supported the addition, the original proposers from Enhedslisten (Red-Green Alliance), Alternativet (The Alternative), and De Radikale (Social Liberals) opposed it.
The disagreement led to accusations of antisemitism, with Niels Peder Ravn from Venstre suggesting that the opposing parties had “a bone to pick with Israel.” Despite the resistance, the amendment was ultimately passed by a narrow margin.
Rudaizky believes that some politicians need a “refresher on history” to fully grasp the meaning of antisemitism and how to effectively combat it. He suggests that the different population composition in Copenhagen may contribute to a certain “contact anxiety” among politicians when addressing the issue.
He also highlights a “Mayor’s Declaration” from November 2023, where all seven Copenhagen mayors expressed serious concern about increasing polarization and religiously targeted harassment, particularly affecting the Jewish minority in Copenhagen.
Rudaizky believes that a study trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau would provide council members with valuable insights and help them follow up on the mayors’ declaration of intent. Copenhagen’s City Council members can choose from three study trips per term for educational purposes.