Israel's ambassador to Sweden on Wednesday fell victim to the latest trend in political protest: shoe throwing. Ambassador Benny Dagan was addressing students at Stockholm University, where he had been invited to speak on the upcoming elections in Israel, when a young woman in the audience hurled a shoe at him, hitting him in the chest.
According to a statement by the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) who had members at the scene, the woman, along with a young man, then shouted "Murderers!" and "Intifada!" while pelting Dagan with books and a notepad. The two protesters were arrested by police, and Dagan continued with his lecture.
Dagan, who was not injured, continued his lecture despite the disturbance. He told Ynet that such behavior would not stop him. "This is not something that will deter me or prevent me from reaching out to the community in Sweden. As advocates of Israel, it is our duty to present Israel's just struggle. My public appearances are important for the many friends of Israel in Sweden," he told Ynet. "My avoidance of public events and hiding is exactly the behavior my enemies want," he added."
In recent weeks, the anti-Israel boycott movement in Sweden has grown in influence. Contributing to tensions, Veolia, a Swedish transportation company, recently lost its contract with the Stockholm Metro because of its involvement in the Jerusalem light rail project.
The boycott has also targeted the Davis Cup tennis match between Israel and Sweden scheduled to take place in Malmö on March 6-8.