Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Centre Publish a Report: Antisemitism Has Increased in Finland Over the Past Five Years
According to the new research report “Experiences and Views on Antisemitism in Finland – A Study on Discrimination and Hate Crimes Against Jews,” the majority of those who identify as Jewish feel that antisemitism, or hostility towards Jews, has increased in Finland in recent years.
The most significant problems are found in antisemitism occurring on the internet and social media, as well as in the media and political life. Respondents indicated that antisemitism is particularly prevalent in far-right, far-left, and Islamist contexts. The most common basis for discrimination is perceived to be ethnic background or immigrant status. Alarmingly, only eight percent of those who experienced discrimination reported their case to the police or other supervisory authorities. However, the survey results show that respondents have strong trust in authorities and the Finnish legal system.
The survey on antisemitism in Finland is based on a questionnaire on antisemitism created by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). This allows for the comparison of results with other European countries. Participants in the survey are individuals aged 16 and over living in Finland who identify as Jewish based on religion, culture, upbringing, ethnicity, kinship, or other reasons. Depending on the method of calculation, respondents represent approximately 17–22 percent of Jews living in Finland.
Antisemitism has been little studied in Finland, and the experiences of Jews living in the country regarding discrimination and hate crimes have not previously been surveyed through a questionnaire. The newly published report fills this information gap and provides valuable insights into the state of antisemitism in Finland for policymakers and authorities working in the fields of human rights, equality, and security, as well as for researchers and experts. Additionally, the report offers recommendations for combating antisemitism and promoting the human rights and equality of Jewish communities.
The report was prepared by researchers Mercédesz Czimbalmos and Dóra Pataricza from the Polin Institute at Åbo Akademi, commissioned by the Human Rights Centre and the Ministry of Justice. The study was initiated in spring 2023, and the active data collection phase was conducted in October-November of the same year.