Swiss Jews not immune from growing anti-Semitism, says SIG president Donath

Switzerland was not immune against the growing tide of anti-Semitism, the president of the umbrella body of Swiss Jews (SIG), Prof. Alfred Donath, has told a newspaper. Although anti-Jewish sentiment was less wide-spread than in other European countries, it was possible again to make anti-Semitic statement without consequent loss of face, he said. However, he praised the will of authorities in Switzerland to act against anti-Semitism. The number of Jews in the country is in slow decline, he added, which was due to assimilation and emigration, mainly to Israel. Moreover, many Jews would move to the cities, which resulted in the shrinking of traditionally strong communities in the countryside.