Religious groups in Singapore saddened by recent anti-Semitic incidents

Religious organisations in Singapore said they are troubled and saddened by recent incidents of anti-Semitism here, and have called for mutual respect for all.

- Nadine Chua

This comes after Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said on Nov 6 that there had been several incidents of anti-Semitism here.

For instance, some toilets in international schools with Jewish students were vandalised with anti-Israel vulgarities in September.

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

Mr Shanmugam cited these examples while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a closed-door engagement session with members of the Jewish community at the Chesed-El Synagogue.

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

Mr Shanmugam had said that acts of anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Singapore, noting how the laws and norms here reflect that everyone, regardless of race and religion, must be treated fairly.

In response, multiple religious organisations in Singapore condemned the anti-Semitic acts, and called for respect for all races and religions.