In some countries in Europe, it’s now impossible to hold even a Jewish film festival, as cinema and venue owners simply don’t dare to take the security risk. Antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment have been on the rise for years, and the Gaza ceasefire is no reason for Europe to heave a sigh of relief. Least of all now, with agents linked to the Hamas terrorist network having deeply infiltrated the continent.

There was supposed to be a festival for newly produced Jewish films in the Swedish city of Malmo, but the organizers have not found a suitable venue. “No theater is willing to step up,” says Ola Tedin, organiser of JIFF, Jewish International Film Festivals. Commercial theaters in Malmo have refused to host a Jewish film festival, for example Panora, which is managed by a non-profit cultural association.

“Some of them refer to security reasons. They’re worried that something will happen,”

– Ola Tedin says. The organisers pinned their hope on Folkets Hus (People’s House) on Malmo’s Nobel Square, where there is a theater hall, which has previously been used to show films. The venue was available on any dates from 29 November to 2 December, but management refused to stage the event for security reasons. “I can’t understand what kind of security threat there is in showing Jewish films,” Ola Tedin said.

“The police always used to be available and have volunteered to be outside the venue this time as well,”

– says Sofia Nerbrand, who is also among the initiators of the festival. The festival has received 160,000 kronor from the city of Malmo and 50,000 from the region of Skane.

“It was not an easy decision, but we prioritise security for our employees,”

– writes Irene Hernberg, PR director for Filmstaden North, as cited by the Gates of Vienna news site.

The outlet also points out that no one dares to talk about — let alone say out loud — the real dangers that led cinemas to refuse to screen the films. The reason, however, is obvious:

people are worried that angry Muslims might riot, loot, blow things up, torch cars, and burn buildings down.

This fear is not unfounded, given the anti-Israel, antisemitic, and pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have taken place in recent years.

Terrorists Infiltrated Europe During the Gaza War

Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent countermeasures have triggered harsh anti-Israel demonstrations across Europe, which have often escalated into violent riots and antisemitic incidents.

European reports are now sounding the alarm that members of the Hamas terrorist organisation may have deeply infiltrated European societies. Italian daily Libero Quotidiano warned that “Hamas is already among us,” with an “armed, organised network ready to strike.” Giovanni Giacalone, who is an expert on terrorism and Islamic groups, recently told il Giornale that while

“it’s difficult to provide a precise estimate of how many Hamas supporters there are in Italy … I wouldn’t be surprised if we reached thousands.”

Mr. Giacalone added that support is made most clear at pro-Palestine protests and on social media.

But perhaps more concerning than this is the mostly hidden presence of Hamas „operatives” who are working to obtain permanent residence permits in Italy and elsewhere across the continent.

In Germany, for example, officials estimate there are 32,500 people living in the country who can be classified as foreign extremists — a 6-percent increase on the previous year — with many aligning themselves with Hamas. Three members of the group were arrested there earlier this month for allegedly planning attacks on Israeli and Jewish institutions. They are suspected of having procured firearms and ammunition since the summer. Sinan Selen, the head of Germany’s BfV domestic spy agency, emphasized that the Israel-Hamas peace deal does not mean there is a “reason to sound the all-clear when it comes to Hamas and its activities in Europe and Germany.” Similar to Germany, agents have also been uncovered in Denmark and Sweden.