Last week, the Swedish clothing discounter H & M opened its first branch in Tel Aviv (Azrieli Tower). Thousands of customers were awaiting the opening and storming into the gigantic store in order to buy cheap clothes. Some critics said that we as Jews and Israelis shouldn't support the anti - Semites in Sweden and boycott H & M. A great idea and we should do so but who can resist when H & M sells its products for such a low price.
The haredi population of Jerusalem's neighbourhoods Ge'ula and Mea Shearim had its line up as well. Not for anything unkosher Swedish but due to the opening of a glatt kosher ice - cream store called "Sisalek".
Those customers showing up with the coupon (see above) got their first ice cream for free. Hundreds of haredi youth were lining up. Kosher - as male and female lined up in front of two separate entrances.
I think this Israeli Swede-bashing is somewhat unfounded.Growing up within the Jewish community in Stockholm i haven't felt that there's any strong antisemitic tendencies among the general public.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably better then in many European countries among the general public. Leaving out of course the Right wing, Left wing and Muslims.
B"H
ReplyDeleteWe hear terrible anti - Semitic acts from Swedish Malmoe. That the mayor would support the Muslim population and that more and more Jews move to Stockholm or even make Aliyah.
In Israel we mostly judge according to politics and Sweden does support the Palestinians. Furthermore, many Sweds do support Palestinians and from what we see, we judge. The same with France. However, under Sarkozy, Israeli criticism on France has become less.
B"H
ReplyDeleteWell, Ikea just opened its second branch in Israel; in Rishon LeZion. The first branch near Netanya was opened a few years ago and let me tell you, Nazi or not, Israelis love Ikea. Because of the prices and they feel like buying something fashionable they don't get in Israel.