Posted on 07/14/23
| News Source: Arutz-7
Following reports that the Swedish police have allowed the Jewish Bible (Tanach) to be burned in the name of "freedom of expression," Israel's Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi David Lau penned an open letter to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
In his letter, Rabbi Lau writes, "I was horrified to hear of the intentions of a number of civilians who are Swedish residents, who plan to protest opposite the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, [in a] protest which will include the burning of a Torah"
"The more serious issue is, according to the same news, that the Swedish police have approved such a serious and horrific thing, obviously under the guise of 'freedom of expression.'
"A few months ago, protesters in Sweden burned a Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy building. This in itself is a horrific thing and obligates everyone to protest with all their might and to condemn such a thing. But this wrong does not justify another wrong; one despicable act does not permit another despicable act.
"I call on you to insist with all your might that such a thing not happen. Freedom of expression does not permit doing everything, and any harm to what is holy to Israel is not an expression of freedom, but of antisemitism.
"I am convinced that everyone on the face of this planet understands how serious these acts are, and condemns them," Rabbi Lau concluded.