A disturbing antisemitic doll protest in Sweden has triggered widespread condemnation and an official investigation. The incident took place last Friday in Vänortsparken, in the city centre of Umeå, where dolls bearing the Star of David were found hanging from nooses.
Alongside them stood another doll wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh and holding a baby, accompanied by a sign reading: “A genocide is a genocide.” The display appeared to draw a direct- and highly provocative- comparison between the Holocaust and the ongoing war in Gaza.
Swedish police have launched a preliminary investigation into incitement of hatred against a population group, although no suspects have yet been identified. The country’s Judicial Chancellor reviewed the case but concluded it falls outside their jurisdiction, as the images were shared on Instagram, not via traditional media.
The protest has drawn political backlash across party lines. Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar both issued strong public statements denouncing the act as clearly antisemitic. The Central Jewish Council of Sweden and the mayor of Umeå also expressed serious concern.
The group “Umeå for Palestine” distanced itself from the protest, stating it had no involvement and condemned all forms of antisemitism.
The antisemitic doll protest has shocked many in Sweden, reigniting concerns over rising hate speech and the limits of protest expression amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Manifestation i Umeå i dag. Två dockor i randiga pyjamasar med davidsstjärnor och fångnummer hängdes upp mitt i centrala staden. pic.twitter.com/PagCkInfjk
— Sofie Löwenmark (@SofieLowenmark) July 18, 2025
Also read: Holocaust survivors warn of rising antisemitism on 80th anniversary
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