Discrimination against Muslims is a serious phenomenon in Switzerland, but using a yellow star as a symbol of protest is inappropriate, local Jewish leaders said.
A conservative Islamic organization in Switzerland on Oct. 29 protested against anti-Muslim discrimination by wearing a yellow star sticker printed with the word “Muslim,” reminiscent of the stars the Nazis forced Jews to wear.
Some 2,000 people showed up for the demonstration in Bern initiated by the Islamic Central Council of Switzerland.
The choice of symbolism irked Muslim groups, as well: Two mainstream Muslim organizations reportedly stayed away from the event as a result.
Yves Kugelmann, editor-in-chief of the Jewish newspaper Tachles, said he found the choice of symbols “simply idiotic.”
“It is regrettable when legitimate concerns are raised using false comparisons,” Kugelmann told the Basler Times. He said discrimination against Muslims is a theme that must be taken seriously in Switzerland, “but not in this cheap way.” — jta