Swedish education minister of Palestinian descent criticized for Star of David at debate

Sweden’s Education Minister and Liberal Party leader Simona Mohammadson has sparked widespread controversy by wearing a Star of David during an election debate.

Mohammadson, whose father is Palestinian from Haifa and mother is Lebanese from Tripoli, was born in Hamburg before her family moved to Sweden.

She began her political career at a young age, rising through the ranks of the Liberal Party, becoming its leader in 2025 and later appointed as education minister.

Mohammadson faced a wave of criticism despite backing from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, with opponents accusing her of seeking to gain the approval of the Israeli occupation.