Antisemitism in Norway reaches highest levels since Holocaust

Norway's tiny Jewish community of 1,500 is experiencing the highest levels of hostility since World War II, according to a troubling new report released Wednesday by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.

The data shows a dramatic spike in antisemitic incidents following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. According to the report, 69% of Jewish community members have reported identity-based incidents since October 2023, while the rate of antisemitic attitudes has climbed from 9.3% in 2022 to 11.5% in 2024.

Among the most alarming incidents: In April, a torch was thrown at the Trondheim synagogue. In July, antisemitic graffiti appeared in Bergen depicting Anne Frank wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, while the Jewish cemetery in Trondheim was vandalized over the past year.

The report highlights a concerning blur between political criticism and antisemitism, with 51% of respondents comparing Israel's treatment of Palestinians to Nazi atrocities. Notable anti-Israel actions include the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund's divestment from Israeli companies.

Far-right and far-left groups, including the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM), Socialist Youth, and the Rødt Party, have been identified as key sources of anti-Israel sentiment. Social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook have seen a significant uptick in hate responses targeting both Jews and Muslims.

"The Jewish community in Norway is experiencing heightened hostility, including physical threats and daily harassment," says Rabbi Joav Melchior of Oslo. "We're calling on Norwegian authorities to increase awareness of antisemitism and take practical steps to eliminate this phenomenon."

Avi Cohen-Scali, Director General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combat Against Antisemitism, emphasized the broader implications: "Antisemitism isn't just a Jewish community problem—it's a global issue that undermines the fundamental values of free and democratic society. We need urgent action to strengthen enforcement against hate crimes and enhance cooperation between government, education, and security agencies to ensure the Jewish community's safety."