Preface
The Government wants to ensure an equal and diverse society that is safe for all. There remains a need for sustained and comprehensive efforts to combat antisemitism. We are now presenting a new Action plan against antisemitism (2025–2030), the third of its kind. We see that many of the measures that have been in place for several years have been effective. Nevertheless, antisemitism is a challenge that warrants long-term efforts.
At the present time, war and conflict in the Middle East are contributing to increased polarisation in our society, affecting the intensity and pervasiveness of antisemitism in Norway. There has been a rise in threats against Jewish institutions. Most recently, in April 2024, there was a physical attack on the synagogue in Trondheim. The Norwegian Jewish minority, consisting of around 1,500 people, is small and particularly vulnerable during periods of rising antisemitism. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all Jews, especially children and young people, feel safe and included in Norway and are not subjected to hate speech or discrimination.
The Action plan against antisemitism is part of the Government’s work to strengthen and renew efforts to combat racism, harassment and discrimination on the basis of etchnic origin and religion. The Government has defined the following three overarching focus areas in these efforts: 1) Dialogue and a well-functioning democracy; 2) Knowledge and competence; and 3) Safety and security. The 22 measures found in this Action plan are grouped according to these focus areas. Furthermore, the plan includes Norway’s international efforts and measures to combat antisemitism. The Action plan is intended to be dynamic, so that existing measures can be adjusted and new measures can be added during the implementation period.
Although the current situation is challenging, antisemitism is unfortunately not a new phenomenon in Norway. Antisemitic notions were behind the constitutional provision denying Jews access to Norway in 1814. The Holocaust had fatal consequences for Jews in Norway, and Jew hatred continues to endure in parts of the population to this day. Antisemitism is persistent and adapts to societal developments. Therefore, the Government believes measures are needed in several areas concurrently. The goal is for the measures in the Action plan to jointly combat antisemitism in Norway.
The Government would like to thank everyone who has contributed, including researchers, representatives from various organisations and individuals. We express our sincere thanks to the Norwegian Centre for Holocaust and Minority Studies in Oslo. Last but not least, we extend our gratitude to representatives of the Jewish communities in Norway for sharing their experiences, demonstrating their commitment, and providing excellent input throughout this process.
Oslo, 11 November 2024
Jonas Gahr Støre
Prime Minister
Emilie Enger Mehl
Minister of Justice and Public Security
Espen Barth Eide
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kari Nessa Nordtun
Minister of Education
Erling Sande
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development
Jan Christian Vestre
Minister of Health and Care Services
Lubna Jaffery
Minister of Culture and Equality
Kjersti Toppe
Minister of Children and Families