"Symbol of Solidarity": Switzerland Declares Hamas a Terrorist Organization "

Ambassador Speaks on Challenging Times.

"I am very happy to be here. These are challenging and difficult times, but certainly interesting," says Simon Geissbuhler, the Swiss ambassador to Israel, describing his role over the past seven months. We meet for an interview regarding two major headlines.

The first is Switzerland's rare announcement of Hamas as a terrorist organization just last week, and the second is more positive and hopeful - the Eurovision 2025 taking place next week in Basel.

Geissbuhler began his post in Israel less than a year ago, after four years serving as ambassador for peace and human rights at the Foreign Office in Bonn - a role that prepared him well for life in the Middle East.

"Switzerland does not have a policy of outlawing terrorist organizations," he explains. "It's not something we do or is even possible by law. In the past, we did outlaw ISIS and Al-Qaeda, but only because it was a UN decision affecting us. Switzerland is known as a mediator between different parties, and sometimes to talk to different parties, you need to talk to the 'bad people'."

Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

"Despite this," he adds, "two days after October 7th, on October 9, 2023, the Foreign Minister decided to outlaw Hamas, and from May 15, the law will come into effect. This is a huge step for Switzerland, never done before on its initiative, and I think it symbolizes solidarity with Israel. The Swiss people were in absolute shock after October 7th, and it's a courageous step."

What are the actual implications of this declaration?

"The immediate implications will be that anyone expressing public support for Hamas or raising funds for Hamas could be penalized under the law. The law will be very stringent to ensure there are no expressions of support for Hamas and its affiliated organizations in Switzerland."

Do you think it will have an impact on what we see at Eurovision?

"I don't think you'll see it directly. But I hear that preparations for Eurovision are progressing as planned. Security will be a top priority, especially after the Eurovision in Malmo was a very difficult experience for many guests. We expect tens if not hundreds of thousands of fans to come to Basel from all over the world, expecting a festive and happy event. We hope it will be a big party celebrating music, not slogans or political protests, which have no place at this event."

Photo: SRGSSR / Eurovision

Is this a feasible mission?

"I very much hope the atmosphere at Eurovision will be as it should be, a celebration of nations. If someone disagrees politically with one issue or another, or wants to protest - please do, but in a designated place and within reasonable boundaries. I very much hope everyone coming to Basel during Eurovision will have a great experience and return very satisfied. Of course, as a Swiss, I must remain neutral regarding the contestants, but we still wish a great Eurovision, and may you feel at home in Basel."

It should be noted that yesterday (May 8th), a week before Israel's first appearance at Eurovision, a travel warning for Israelis planning to attend the contest in Basel was published, advising contest fans to downplay Israeli and Jewish symbols, avoid participating in events identified with Israel, and stay away from various protests.

Switzerland Awaits Israeli Tourists

In contrast to the number of Israeli tourists visiting destinations in Germany, Italy, and France, it sometimes seems that Switzerland is not a top priority for Israeli travelers. The ambassador has much to share about what the country offers.

Photo: Courtesy of EBU - European Broadcasting Union

"First and foremost, of course, is the nature. The mountains in Switzerland, led by the Matterhorn, are very popular. We are also a country rich in rivers and lakes, with plenty of water. In fact, we are Europe's water reservoir. In addition, there are cities like Zurich and Lucerne, with many museums and good restaurants."

Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

He adds that the country's size is a significant advantage. "Switzerland is not a big country, which is a great advantage, especially with the advanced public transport system allowing short travel times within the country. There are also beautiful farms and villages to visit, and don't miss the Emmental cheese. In general, know that Switzerland is much more than chocolate."

Sometimes there is the impression that Switzerland is less youthful and dynamic.

"That's true, the impression exists, and it's not true at all. There is an impression that Switzerland may be a bit boring, but if you come, you'll discover a completely different world. Especially in places like Zurich, home to Google's main office. Thus, you can understand that the population there is young, innovative, and also enjoyable for younger individuals."

What don't we know about Switzerland?

"That it is the most innovative country in the world. One piece of evidence for this is the Zurich Technical University, considered one of the top ten in the world, and the research center at Cern. If Israel is the start-up nation, Switzerland is considered the most innovative country but in a very different way than we know from Israel. If you have the idea and solution, we have the performers who will take it and implement it perfectly. You are good at solutions; we are good at finishing - and I see a great opportunity for collaborations in this field."

If we look a year or two ahead, hoping for better times, what do you think you would like to invest in the relationships between the countries?

"I would like to see the reciprocal tourism return, including tourism from Switzerland to Israel. Honestly, the Swiss are wary of coming to Israel due to the situation, and the rocket falling near Ben Gurion Airport is another example that doesn't help. At the end of the day, the embassy can encourage various issues up to a certain point, but if I can set myself a certain goal, this will be the goal."

Photo: Amit Cotler

As an ambassador in Israel and also as a private individual, do you find yourself explaining Israel and what it's like to be an ambassador in Israel during a war to your colleagues?

"All the time."

It doesn't sound simple.

"That's very true. I'm constantly explaining what's happening here, and I think the impression is that the country is being bombarded constantly, and the reality is very different. Yes, there was the rocket that fell near Ben Gurion Airport, but in the end, the risk of being hit by a Houthi missile is hundreds if not thousands of times less than being involved in a traffic accident. It's a challenging task to explain that life here is normal. Yes, everyone is stressed, and the situation is not completely routine post-October 7th, and I see it here at the embassy too, but life must go on, and we must continue to work with our Israeli partners, but it is indeed challenging to explain Israel."