Jews in Norway increasingly isolated from public life, report warns

Jews in Norway are increasingly concealing their identity and withdrawing from public life amid rising antisemitism and a growing sense of social isolation, according to a new government-commissioned report.

The report is published by the Center for Studies of the Holocaust and Religious Minorities on behalf of Norway’s Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and forms part of the government’s Action Plan against Antisemitism for 2025-2030.

Researchers found that many Jews feel less comfortable expressing their identity publicly, particularly during transitions between schools and educational levels.

Jewish children appear especially vulnerable, with parents reporting incidents of exclusion and social isolation in classrooms and on playgrounds, and expressing concerns about insecurity and belonging.

The report warns that such concealment could make Norway’s small Jewish community of about 1,500 even less visible in society.

“It is serious that Jews in Norway experience insecurity and isolation. I am particularly concerned that Jewish schoolchildren are so exposed,” says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Bjørnar Skjæran. “We all have a responsibility to counter antisemitism. This is a societal responsibility, and this report shows that we must both continue and strengthen our efforts against antisemitism.”