Hundreds of people took part in a pro-Israel rally in the central square of Stockholm on Sunday.

Etan Bachar, Spokesman for the World Zionist Federation, was pleased at the high attendance rate and said: “Between 1,200 and 1,500 people came to the conference. This is the first time in 10 years that a rally of support for Israel is held in Sweden in such a central place.”

The person behind the initiative for the rally is Anika Hernroth-Rothstein, 31, a local Jewish woman who has been writing a pro-Israel blog called TruthandFiction for several years. She cooperated with several organizations to help make the rally possible.

“The last time something similar was held in support of Israel was a few years ago, in a less central place, and this time it was decided to hold in the city’s center,” said Yonatan Schimmel, emissary for the Jewish Agency and Bnei Akiva in Sweden. “The news of the event was spread through Facebook and through organizations like Keren Hayesod, the local Student Union and the World Zionist Federation.

Several pro-“Palestinian” demonstrators stood to the side of the road waving PLO flags. No confrontations were reported.

After hearing speeches, the protesters sang “HaTikva”, Israel’s national anthem.