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Jewish-Muslim Relations in Sweden
[Institute for Global Jewish Affairs] Mikael Tossavainen - Some 300-350,000 Muslims live in Sweden or about 4% of the population. The number of Jews is estimated at 15-20,000. The last decade has seen a rise in Jewish-Muslim tensions on the grassroots level, and attacks on Jews by Muslims have occurred. Tensions increased particularly with the outbreak of the Second Intifada. There are few projects of interfaith dialogue or other forums for exclusive Muslim-Jewish interaction. On some issues of religious practice, such as circumcision and ritual slaughter, the Muslim organizations and the Jewish community have a common interest in fostering understanding in the general Swedish society.