Ilan was 23 years old when he was lured into an apartment in a suburb of Paris in 2006. There he remained for three weeks and was severely tortured. His tormentors had learned that Jews are rich, a classic anti-Semitic concept. His family was demanded for over SEK 4 million, money that the family did not have.

More than 70 years after the Holocaust, anti-Semitism is growing again in Europe. Last year, the number of assaults against Jews in France increased by 74 percent. Germany reported a 60 percent increase. Following the recent destruction of a Jewish burial ground in the French border town of Strasbourg, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

- I urge the leaders of France and Europe to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism. It is a plague that threatens everyone, not just us.

But even in Eastern Europe, anti-Semitism is growing. In Hungary, a campaign is underway from the government that demonizes Jewish businessman George Soros. And in Poland, 15 percent of the population say they do not have a particularly benevolent attitude towards Jews.

"I think many Swedish Jews are scared"

In the largest survey conducted so far in Europe by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, which was published at the turn of the year, more than 10,000 Jews were interviewed in 12 EU countries, including Sweden. The result is shocking.

90 percent feel that anti-Semitism is increasing in their home countries. 30 percent have been harassed. 34 percent avoid going to Jewish events for security reasons. And 38 percent have been considering emigrating. The study has been conducted several times and the latest results indicate a harsher climate.

Sweden is no exception. Something the BBC noticed a few months ago. In an interview, Isak Reichel, Secretary General of the Jewish Assembly in Stockholm, says:

- I think many Swedish Jews are scared. Most people do not show that they are Jews or walking around with a kippa. If they have a star of David around their necks, they will hide it.

Noted in North Africa

Anti-Semitism is found in both right- and left-wing groups. More recently, it has also attracted attention in poorer suburbs of Europe's major cities among immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East.

- In many Arab countries, propaganda against Jews has been broadcast for decades via state television channels and mosques. And Jews can often be held accountable for Israeli politics in the conflict with Palestine, says Johannes Heuman, associate professor at the University of Jönköping, who has researched nationalism in France.

Memorial tree was cut down

Some of those who murdered Ilan Halimi in Paris had their roots in North Africa, from where immigration to France was great. When Ilan was found, he was severely burned and almost inaccessible. His life could not be saved.

At the place where he died, a tree grew in memory of him. A tree that once green, but is now only a stump, after another anti-Semitic attack. Just a few weeks ago, the tree was cut down.

- I must say, in the name of the government, in the name of the president, in the name of France, that we mourn the memory of Ilan Halimi. Just like we mourned him 14 years ago. By my presence, in the name of the Republic and the government, I would like to say to every individual who makes a religious choice in this country that they will be protected, said French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, when he visited the site.