Norwegian Jews decry proposed criminalization of settlement trade - interiew
Norwegian Jewish leaders warned that a proposed law criminalizing some settlement trade could create “real anxiety” among Jews and carry risks beyond a political signal.
Norwegian Jews have expressed deep concern over a proposed law that would criminalize trade with Israeli settlements, potentially leading to up to three years in prison. The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, announced the consultation deadline for the bill on Saturday. He believes Israel has become "far too accustomed to being able to intimidate Western countries" by accusing them of antisemitism.
Ester Nafstad, co-founder of Kos & Kaos, a Nordic Jewish network, criticized the proposal as "deeply troubling" and "dangerous," stating that criminal liability requires clear boundaries and serious consequences assessment. She expressed worry that the proposal could potentially expose Jews to scrutiny, even without economic ties to the West Bank or Israeli settlements.
Nafstad responded to Eide's comment, calling it "deeply troubling," arguing that accusing critics of antisemitism is a cynical weapon that undermines efforts to recognize actual antisemitism. Norwegian Jewish author and podcaster Henrik Beckheim echoed these concerns, calling Eide the "most dangerous man in Norway's government since Quisling."
Concerns have grown over the potential impact on the Norwegian Jewish community, with Israeli educator On Elpeleg warning that the government's action risks criminalizing Jews in Norway and spreading hostility towards Jews.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
