Shootings in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a quiet city, but Sunday February 15 was unusually silent. During the afternoon of February 14 and early morning the next day, the very peaceful Danish capital fell victim to two acts of hatred and terror. At 3:33pm on February 14, a gunman fired over 30 shots into Krudttonden cultural center during a public seminar entitled "Art, Blasphemy, and Freedom of Expression," killing a male attendee and injuring three officers. At 12:50am on February 15, it is believed that it was the same gunman who shot and killed a Jewish man serving as a security guard for the Great Synagogue where a bat mitzvah was held. He also wounded two officers.

As a member of the Jewish community, it is very disturbing to see such violence against Jews, especially in a country that has a historical tradition of tolerance. In 1933, the Danish king attended a ceremony for the 100 year anniversary of the Great Synagogue's opening. His expression of respect towards his fellow Jewish people is truly incredible considering that at the same time, Nazis were rising to power just south in Germany. During World War II, the Danish government received information that the Nazis would be invading to arrest all the Jews. It initiated a plan to rescue the members of its Jewish community by shipping them to safety in Sweden; the few who stayed back were sent to Theresiendstadt concentration camp in what is now the Czech Republic. Some were killed there, but overall more than 99% of Danish Jews survived World War II, very much thanks to Denmark's efforts.

The Danes have continued to show their support for their Jewish neighbors, as evident in their response to the recent attacks. Seeing a large crowd of people standing before the gates of the Great Synagogue, placing flowers, candles, and signs down on the sidewalk in solidarity, is absolutely breathtaking. I am very proud to be studying in a country that has shown such respect towards its Jewish population.