Swedish Minister of Palestinian and Lebanese Descent Sparks Controversy by Wearing Star of David

French magazine Le Point reported that Sweden’s Minister for Education and Integration and leader of the Liberal Party, Simona Mohamsson, sparked widespread controversy after appearing in an election debate wearing a necklace with a Star of David pendant.

The magazine, as cited by Al Jazeera on Friday (21/8/2026), assessed the move as a firm political message to condemn what she regards as rising antisemitism in Sweden, as well as a criticism of the Left Party’s stance.

The statement emerged as Sweden’s legislative election, scheduled for 13 September, draws closer.

The report also linked Mohamsson’s stance to her family background. According to Le Point, she is the daughter of a Palestinian father from Haifa and a Lebanese mother from Tripoli.

She was born in Hamburg, Germany, before her family moved to Sweden when she was eight years old.

According to Le Point, her family placed great emphasis on her integration into Swedish society, even changing the family surname to “Mohamsson”, a name considered to reflect both her family roots and her choice to become part of Swedish society.

From a young age, Simona Mohamsson was active in political and social activities. She later built a career in the Liberal Party until she was elected as the party’s leader in 2025.

After that, she joined Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government as Minister for Education and Integration.