Recent anti-Semitic incidents in S’pore worrying; such acts will not be tolerated: Shanmugam

There have been several incidents of anti-Semitism in Singapore, which is a worrying development, said Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.

- Christine Tan

On Nov 6, Mr Shanmugam said that in September, some toilets in international schools with Jewish students were vandalised with anti-Israel vulgarities.

In October, a Jewish man wearing a skullcap on his way to the synagogue at Waterloo Street heard a passing motorist shout “Free Palestine” at him.

These incidents come in the wake of global tensions due to the Israel-Palestine conflict since October 2023.

Mr Shanmugam was speaking on the sidelines of a closed-door engagement session with members of the Jewish community at the Chesed-E] Synagogue, along Oxley Rise.

It celebrated its 120th anniversary on Nov 6 with a gathering of more than 200 people, including members of the Inter-Religious Organisation and the guest-of-honour, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.

Mr Shanmugam said acts of anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Singapore.

He said: “Here in Singapore, our laws and norms reflect a very simple principle: everyone, regardless of race and religion, must be treated fairly. They must be allowed to practise their religion freely.

“They must be protected from discrimination, harassment and violence. And all Singaporeans and all communities in Singapore, whatever our feelings towards Palestine or Israel, must feel safe and respected here.”

He said he was there to hear from the Jewish community about the unpleasant incidents they faced both online and offline, and noted that they now feel less secure.