Shoe thrown at Israeli ambassador in Sweden

Ambassador Benny Dagan says action will not deter him from further advocacy work in the Scandinavian country
Daniel Edelson
YNet News
Feb. 07, 2009

Apparently only the latest victim in a growing trend, Israel's ambassador to Sweden, Benny Dagan, had a shoe thrown at him, while giving a lecture at the University of Stockholm on Wednesday.

Dagan was discussing Israel's recent military operation in Gaza – Operation Cast Lead – when a 35-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman threw a shoe and a book at him. Both were apprehended by local police.

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.

The Foreign Ministry said, in a statement, that "the incident is an expression of the atmosphere created by extreme elements and some of the media in Sweden, who are finding fertile soil for their baseless accusations against Israel to take root."