There has been a sharp and troubling increase in the number of antisemitic incidents in Norway Post-October 7. The Jewish community in Norway, which numbers only about 1,500 members, reports the highest levels of hostility since World War II, according to a new report from the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, revealed for the first time by Ynet.
The alarming findings of the report indicate that 69% of Jewish community members in Norway have reported incidents related to their identity since October 2023. Additionally, the rate of antisemitic attitudes among Norwegians has risen from 9.3% in 2022 to 11.5% in 2024. The report also highlights Norway's decision to divest from Israeli companies through its sovereign wealth fund as a notable development.
Among the antisemitic incidents in Norway over the past 14 months were:
- Torch thrown at a synagogue.
- Antisemitic graffiti in Bergen depicting Anne Frank wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh.
- Desecration of the Jewish cemetery in Trondheim.
The report also reveals that 51% of respondents in Norway compare Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to Nazi atrocities, underscoring the blurred line between political criticism and antisemitism.
The report identifies key factors contributing to the rise in antisemitism. Among them, it points to the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM), Sosialistisk Ungdom (Socialist Youth), and the Rødt (Red) Party as significant players in spreading anti-Israel sentiments. Social media platforms have also seen a sharp increase in hateful comments targeting Jews and Muslims, particularly on TikTok and Facebook.
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"The Jewish community in Norway is experiencing heightened hostility, including physical threats and daily harassment," according to Rabbi Yoav Melchior, the chief rabbi of Oslo. "The Jewish community calls on Norwegian authorities to raise awareness of antisemitism and take practical steps to address and eradicate the phenomenon."
Diaspora Affairs Ministry Director-General Avi Cohen-Scali said antisemitism in Norway is a problem for the entire world, not just the Jewish community.
"Over the past year, we have witnessed a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents and expressions of hostility toward the Jewish community in Norway. The ministry’s report underscores the urgent need to raise public awareness of the issue, strengthen enforcement against perpetrators of hatred, and enhance collaboration between government, education and security bodies to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. Antisemitism is not just a problem for the Jewish community – it is a problem for the entire world and undermines the fundamental values of a free and democratic society."