The decision of the Swedish authorities to grant a license is causing an uproar in Israel for the burning of the Torahof Judaism’s most important holy text, is scheduled to take place outside the Israeli embassy in Stockholm this Saturday, July 15.

Upon hearing the news, the umbrella organization of the Jewish communities in Sweden expressed its deep astonishment and sadness. “The Torah is our most sacred treasure of moral codes and ethics that have changed the world we live in,” the statement said.

It further underscored the painful echoes of Jewish history in Europe, where the burning of Jewish books often heralded times of extreme persecution, such as pogroms, deportations, inquisitors and the Holocaust.

The Jewish Central Council joined the backlash, voicing its strong condemnation of this abuse of freedom of expression, warning that it would become “a tool that will sow the seeds of hatred in the society”. In a remarkable gesture of solidarity, the Jewish Council also declared its support for the Muslim community in Sweden, after previous cases of Koran burnings had sparked outrage.

This shocking development follows reports earlier this month of three applications to burn the Koran, Torah and New Testament – submitted to Swedish police. These plans, two in Stockholm and one in Helsingborg, raised serious concerns and drew widespread condemnation.

Condemnation by Netanyahu

The Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the public burning of scriptures in Sweden.

“I strongly condemn the decision of the authorities in Sweden to allow the burning of a Torah book in front of the Israeli embassy,” Netanyahu said. “The State of Israel takes this very seriously shameful decision which damages the Holy of Holies of the Jewish people. The holy books of all religions must be respected.”