Swiss Jewish group concerned about university protests

The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) says it is apprehensively monitoring the escalating mood at various Swiss universities where pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place in recent days. Universities are democratic institutions where open debate should be fostered, the SIG told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Wednesday. “However, the loud voices of the protesters reveal ideological and radicalised features,” said SIG Secretary General Jonathan Kreutner. + Read more: our focus page on anti-Semitism in Switzerland These voices give the impression that all students share their positions. But this is far from the truth, the SIG added. It said that ultimatums and extremely one-sided demands are being made, while dissenters are intimidated. Under such conditions, universities no longer offer a safe environment for Jewish students. The question clearly arises as to whether the protests, particularly at the University of Lausanne, can be tolerated and whether they are ...