The Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the synagogue in Oslo

'There is no doubt that there is a need for increased efforts to combat anti-Semitism now. Jews in Norway feel that they are alone and that it is not legitimate to mourn because of the crisis in the Middle East. We all have a responsibility to fight prejudice and racism. We can never tolerate Jews in Norway feeling unsafe,' says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

It has been a month since Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on October 7. At least 1400 Israelis were killed. More than 240 people were taken hostage. More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed. 

During his visit to the synagogue today, the Foreign Minister met with the head of the Jewish Community (DMT), Ronen Bahar, Deputy Chairman Zhira Beck, Rabbi Michael Kohn and former DMT leader Rolf Kirschner.   

'The government will do what it can to ensure that the crisis in the Middle East does not increase tensions in Norway, and that the tense situation does not reduce the security of either our Jews or other residents of Norway. Vulnerable groups must be given protection when necessary, and we must contribute to a climate of debate that is objective and does not fuel divisions,' says Foreign Minister Eide.

Last Saturday, the government announced that a new action plan against anti-Semitism will be presented in the course of next year.

At the meeting, the Foreign Minister made it clear that Norway endorses a joint statement on anti-Semitism, signed by special envoys from a number of countries. In the statement, the countries express concern about the increase in anti-Semitic speech and actions, and call on national authorities to provide the necessary protection to Jewish communities.

'We take the safety of all our citizens seriously, and have increased security at Jewish properties in Norway,' says Barth Eide.