I’ve always tried to keep Swedish Freak in the positive. It isn’t hard because Sweden is pretty awesome!
However, with the recent attacks in Brussels, I’m realizing that not being a part of the conversation is adding to the problem.
I’m the first to admit, I avoid a lot of this negative stuff. I don’t watch the news much because it seems just depressing. Now, though, I’m wondering, what is going on in Europe?
Yes, there is an immigration crisis. Yes, the immigrants are mainly Muslim.
What I don’t get are the attacks. What I don’t get is groups like “Soldiers of Odin” popping up in Norway, Estonia, Finland, and now Sweden. This anti-migrant group is roaming the streets because crime is up and the police resources are down.
What’s the mood like in Sweden? My friend Johan, texted me when he heard about Brussels. I asked him, what’s going on in Sweden?
“Extra police at the bigger airports.”
Do they think there will be an attack there?
“Not really, but it fuels the fear that we have extremists here that followed the stream of refugees.”
Geez. This is not the Sweden I know.
I’m not saying one side is right and the other is wrong. Except when it comes to violence and killing of fellow human beings. That is something I cannot condone.
Not all immigrants are Muslim.
Not all Muslims are terrorists.
Not all people with blond hair and blue eyes are Nazis.
I know there is frustration with the immigrants and the way Sweden is handling it. I just am hoping the hate isn’t spreading as much as it seems to be spreading.
I see it here. It is amazing how many of my friends aren’t tolerant of Muslims. They really don’t realize that ISIS are the extremists and that the majority of Muslims are loving, kind people. (I had the luck of going to a mosque with a good friend of mine. It was an awesome experience!)
I’m starting the conversation. First, by asking you, those of you that have direct experience living in Sweden and Europe the last year. What are you seeing? What are you thinking? What are your opinions? What are your fears? What is going on?
Second, I will be reporting more on what is going on in the news regarding immigration and diversity in Sweden.
Here’s a clip for you:
My name is Mohammed Hamdan and I am from Iraq.
I want to give my gratitude to the Swedish king and his family and wish them every success.
I also want to express my gratitude to the Swedish government for everything they do for the refugees who come here.
I am so grateful for all the churches in Sweden, and I hope that they will stand firm in their faith.
Thanks, Swedish people, for all your kindness and compassion.
When I came to Sweden and saw how refugees were treated here, I discovered that Swedes have so much love within themselves to give. l my country, we have been taught that Christians are not good, but now I know that’s not true. The church will receive us and learn the Swedish language, and there are no mosques do.
Now I live in an elderly Swedish man. He takes such good care of me and I really want to thank him from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget what he does for me. My friend helps me in every way, and he is so generous to me even though we come from different parts of the world.
l all this goodness that I have seen among the Swedish people, I have also discovered Christianity. I have seen that people here do as it says in the Bible, because they love their neighbor as themselves. Now I have taken the step to become a Christian and I want to help to change my name.
Last but not least, I would just say that Sweden, and especially Karlstad, will always have a place in my heart, that you received me with open heart and taken care of me.
——
Translated letter to the editor, from http://www.vf.se/asikter/insandare/tack-svenska-folket
Thank you for the great resource!
Here a lot of Christians think Muslims are evil. Didn’t realize it was being taught there as well.
The last time I was home in Sweden was in January and February 1994. All of my family is still there, I was born on Lidingo/Stockholm in 1963. Most kids in my class at school was from different countries.