The leader of the Finnish Free Church (Suomen Vapaakirkko), Tommi Koivunen, has stated in the church's newspaper that antisemitism is a flagrant form of racism and is "sin and wrong". Writing a leading article in Suomen Viikkolehti, he affirmed that the Free Church defends freedom of religion and the indivisible human dignity of every person, and stands alongside Jewish people and the Jewish community in opposing discrimination, prejudice, hostility and violence against them, citing the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism.
The article sets out the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which describes it as a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward Jews, with rhetorical and physical manifestations directed at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, and Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. Koivunen notes that Finland, as a member of the IHRA, has adopted the definition and has established a parliamentary group against antisemitism.
Koivunen grounds the statement in a recent experience. In August he attended the 120th anniversary of the Helsinki Synagogue, an event that required an invitation, registration and proof of identity at the gate. He contrasts that with the free entry to churches, and writes that it is wrong for a community to have to gather in fear of violence behind walls and security checks. He reports that Gideon Bolotowsky, honorary chair of the congregation, stressed in his opening address the community's wish to remain open to everyone and to serve the city, and says that the image of Jewish worshippers behind walls and security checks should set alarm bells ringing.
The article also warns against growing numb to hostility. Koivunen draws on theologian Erkki Jokinen's book Ihmisen varjo (2024), which examines the nature of evil through the lens of the Holocaust and the "banality" of evil — how millions of quite ordinary people kept the machinery of destruction running through routine officialdom and everyday duty. He quotes the words attributed to pastor Martin Niemöller about remaining silent as successive groups were taken away, and concludes that Finland must not become inured to rising hostility, nor watch antisemitism rise in silence.
(Originally published in Finnish. Summary translated by CC / Connexion.)
Source: Suomen Vapaakirkko / Suomen Viikkolehti — svl.fi/paakirjoitus-ei-antisemitismille/
