A proposal to expand Copenhagen’s action plan against racism to include primary schools initially met resistance from left-leaning parties regarding the specific inclusion of antisemitism. The Red-Green Alliance, The Alternative, and The Social Liberal Party reportedly hesitated to include the term, sparking debate in Copenhagen City Hall.

Despite the initial reluctance, an amendment proposed by bourgeois parties to specifically include “antisemitism” in the action plan was narrowly adopted. This highlights a disagreement on the perceived significance of antisemitism in Denmark.

The debate comes amid rising concerns about antisemitism in Denmark. Examples cited include the need for armed guards at synagogues, metal detectors at Jewish schools, and government advisories for educational institutions to support Jewish students. Organizations have also advised Jews to avoid openly displaying religious symbols for their safety.

Recent studies indicate a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023 massacre by Hamas. A Danish citizen was recently arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran in preparation for attacks on Jewish targets in Germany, further underscoring these concerns.

Critics argue that the left-wing parties’ reluctance to specifically address antisemitism constitutes a form of denial. They emphasize that acknowledging antisemitism does not equate to supporting Israeli policies or denying the existence of other forms of racism.

Advocates for the inclusion of antisemitism in the action plan argue that it is a particularly significant issue in Denmark. They assert that while all forms of racism should be combated, the level of hatred directed towards Jews is demonstrably higher than that directed towards other minority groups.