Israeli envoy to Norway says media twisted her remarks about monarchy

I once had a private conversation with one of the leaders of SOS-Rasisme in Norway. He told me that he hated jews. He told that he never wold say this in public, of course.

Norway is anti semitic, that?s true. The government with sv, ap, and sp is terrible, but maybe in 2009 we get a new government with the party FRP. Frp is the biggest party in Norway and is pro Israel. I am a Norwegian inhabitant and also support Israel 100%!

I know houndreds of sosialist in Norway. I have never heard any of them say things in an anti-semitic way. We love the human beings, israelic and palestine, french and german. If we disagree in politics we disagree in politics. We protest against thewars, the gun-men, the terrorist. It does not matter if they have an palestine, israelig, french, german or nort-american uniform. You, Norwegian Man, tell israel that norwegian sosialist are anti-semitic . This is a lie

Arthur: You are wrong! The ting yuos write is a lie. Just check the history. Norway is, and have been a friend if Israel. We are not anti-semmetics or anti-Israelic. We have the right to protest if we think that part of the israelic politics are wrong. This is just the same thing we do if and when we dislie things/politics in other countrys.

You diplay exactly what Shomrat was really trying to point out. Thank you for dragging our name even deeper into the dirt in this issue. The day the Jews leave Norway, as you want them to do, I would be very afraid. We should consider the allegations against the Mosaic Society, that they are "licking the booths of the powers to be" seriously. Is it fear of what Norwegians will say about jews that drives them to distance themselves from the Israeli ambassador? I don't like what Shomrat said, linking it to our monarch, and I hope I can see the difference between Israel and jews. But do Norwegians in general discern that difference? That is a valid question. (I could add lots about the victim role Israel uses in their politics and the accusations of anti-semittism as well; but we should examine our own failings first!)

If you had been following Norwegian debate you would know that most people don't like the radical Imam. Many are asking, honest hard working people want to live and work in Norway, and are denied (ask Norwegian technology companies). Yet we allow that Imam to stay? As for "sweeping things under the rug", that is not the issue here. The issue is that the ambassador, as a representative of a foreign power didn't follow the diplomatic etiquette of not referring to the King and Queen in critisisms of Norwegian politics. Do not try to make this debate into anything else that what it is. Shomrat and Israel might critisize our politicians (the left deserves it fully), but you do not, I REPEAT, do not critisize our King or our Queen. I'm sure that you wouldn't dream of critisizing the Queen of England, the King of Spain or other large monarchies in Asia. Jews, moslems, christians and people of other faiths, and we who really don't like all you religious nuts, can speak freely here.

If the jews feel that Norway is an antisemittic state, why dont they go home to israel to live in peace there among there own people

Norwegian man, you must be an imbecile, or perhaps just a right-wing nut, the norwegian left is not anti-semitic, however some of us are anti-sionistic,which is a different issue altogether. Please refrain from further comments and have your head checked. Arthur is just an idiot, no need to converse with him, it feeds his ego.

The only place you will find antisemitic people in Norway is among the sosialists and the neo-nazists. These people make me feel ashamed.

The royal familys job is to open bridges and to give good pr to Norway, they are not supposedd to take a political stance, and they rarely say anything about current issues. In my 19 years of life experience :-)) i can only remember one time when the king has given public sympathy and that was the tsunami where many people died. The jewish comunity in Norway are more norwegian than Israeli and many of you people shouldnt start shouting antisemitism beacause you dont know anything about the so called "anti semittism" debate here in Norway.I amsorry to say, but The Israeeli ambassador is an idiot. Whenever something negative written about Israeli foreign policy she is always bitching and moaning, she even tried to stop an exam for 15 year olds because one of the texts excerts was about a young palestenian girls life in on the Westbank, and in an interview with a norwegian newspaper she called norwegians for extremists and ignorants when it is obviious that she is..

Wasn't it Norway where an innocent man was murdered by Israeli assassins under orders from the state of Israel? Assassination by the state of Israel on one side, some bullets in a wall on the other, well let's see what is more horrible... Let the honorable representative of the state where murder of innocents in name of zionism is holified please go an stick it.

You can critizise any body you want. But be prepared for the conseqenses. For you personaly there would be few if any. If however the israeli goverment did that, there could be heavier consequences for the state of israel and the Israeli goverment . That's why there is something called diplomacy. Diplomacy is telling someone to go to hell, and have them look forward to the trip. And we will keep critisizing Israel as lang as we see you do something we don't like, and are prepared for the consequenses.

they have a long history of reaching out to vulnerable groups in the society, some groups that have enjoyed Royal protection over the years include the Lappish, whom the Norwegian Government treated very badly until very recently (change thanks to Royal family non-political efforts), war sailors that the state simply chose to ignore, people with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, that were labeled as stupid and lazy until King Olav made a point of mentioning that he too was dyslectic, Queen Sonja coached and accompanied blind athletes in skiing competitions, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are using their position to fight poverty and disease on a global scale - in short, they have more than earned the love and respect Norwegians have for them. Just because Norway suffers from lazy and headline grabbing politicians, you should not assume that the Royal Family falls into that same category. They plainly don't!

The Royal family of Norway enjoys a rare apprecition and love that is a fruit of the hard work they have done for the nation over the years. some history for you: the Royal family of Norway decends from the worlds one and only elected king, King Haakon 7, aka prince Carl of Denmark. Back in 1905, when Norway seceded from Sweden, the people of Norway chose him as their candidate. The King in waiting's response: I will be your king only if the people will choose me, and thus the first referendum in the fledglling nations history. With that as an opening statement, King Haakon, his son Olav after him, and now his granson Harald and grandson's son Haakon Magnus together with Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Mette Marit have worked tirelessly for the nation. Though Norway is a constitutional monarchy and the king's formal power consists of signing laws into effect and to be the Head of State, they do as a rule not opinion about political matters. However, they have a long tradition in

I,m ashame ;((( But know this : Many of us love the state of Israel !!!!! SORRY......if I could I,ll move to Israel ;(

As Isreal's rules are not Norwegian's. But the Norwegians interrupt, for more than 30 years, the safety fragile ballance in the Israeli Arab conflict over the land of Israel by supporting one side - the Arabs (Falsetinians). If you don't want the Isrealis to critisize you, don't you ever critisize Israel again !

Ambassador Shomrat has duly apologized for unfortunate event, and also clarified that although she has expressed herself quite candidly, she has at no moment implied a criticism of the Royal family. However, why can she not opinion about Norwegian matters, as Norwegian politicians and lay persons rush to "friendly" criticize Israel for anything that may go wrong in the Middle East. In fact, these days in Norway, it appears that no politician can speak about the development of the milk price without at the same time labast Israel for its faults. Chavez sullies the podium of the UN, lefties from all over the world gleefully rub their hands, the ambassador of France calls Israel that shitty little country - world applauds. An Israeli ambassador makes a statement that a vulnerable community with increasing frequency is targeted for racist slur and violent attacks, the recent shooting only being the last event in a long chain of developments, and all of a sudden diplomatic skill is a must?

As an Israeli I'm very sorry that Ambassador Miryam Shomrat steped back and appologized befor the King+Queen. Norway has not any right to criticise the Ambassador more than we have the right to critisize the Norwegians that for more than 30 years support the radical extremist Islamic movements taking actions agaisnt Israel. What are all this against one (correct) saying?

Tell the thugs of Arafat, who stole MILLIONS, that the Palestinian also deserve a human life. Please stop with the Palestinian crap. Ask The wife of Arafat,where is the money her husband stole, like a comon tief.

Sir, The problem is this. Nobody cares! Even if the victims are your own countrymen! It is your duty and the govern of norway, who signed the universal declaraton human rights, to protect the freedoms reported in that declaration. Today we saw, how muslim protest to a draw or a pope speach, but nobody protest when a sinagogue is machineguned or burn, jews are kiddnaped and murdered or beheaded! This problem is not a Israeli problem! Like Einstein that make his statements, the ambassador cannot? She is highlighting an issue that, for me is very important, because many sinagogues in the world is being put on fire. And few, till today cares so much. They say it is crimminal. And besides it is criminal it is directed to jewish people around the world. We know that by nazi times, and may occur again. And we dont let it repeat!

After many years of anti-semitism, I can understand Israeli's point of view, since many countries in Europe,ME and America didnt do much to stop killing its own jewish people.Like others till our generation. Darfur and other places is waiting your help, that never arrive! May be I understand the point diferent from you, because we are demmanding that the king protect its your own people, and you say that is a forgein issue. We know the powerless of the king,but he is allow to speak. He is not forbiden. Yes, israel, and we are proud of it, is a depositary of judaism in the world, where jews can defende theirselves, by theirselves. Maybe I am not normal like you, but i am because the lack of action of people who let my referents died, like you do now. We know a sinagogue on fire is powerfull signal that something is not good in the country.And the smell is not good. We know there are very few that stand with jews in difficult time. Even the fellow countrymen.

There was a wonderful article in the magazine section of Ha'aretz over the weekend, an interview with an Israeli woman who moved to ma'alot a number of years ago. Her family came from Iraq and Syria. She pointed out how Israel is suffering from an illness of needing to prove its strength to the world while at the same time claiming it is weak, the victim. This she relates to living under the cloud of the Holocaust which impacts every aspect of life in Israel. It struck me how clearly we can see this in this Norwegian ambassadors statement. For her it was the Holocaust all over again. She demanded that protocal be broken and spoke out because she was reacting from a place where the nazis were storming thru the streets of Oslo. Read the article in haaretz. It was an amzing right on analysis but a woman who is deeply in love with Israel and proud of her mizrahi heritage.

You are OK Miryam hazak vematz

Margie, only once have I experienced the Danish monarch Queen Margrete II express anything that had to do with politics - some 20 years ago where she in her New Year speech asked the to be nicer to immigrants in DK, which by the way spurred controversy here. The Monarchs speeches are always cleared with the PM's office. They are extremely careful not to get involved in anything that could have the least political significance. Thus their main role is to be the protector of this and that beneficial organisation or to open art-exhibitions or to invite foreign dignitaties to dinner in one of their castles - and of course to be eternal topics for the coloured magazines. Like 'em or not, their scene is not politics. If they have any official feelings? Not to my knowledge. However, I remember the Queen expressing her sorrow after the devastating Tsunamis of Asia - not very controversial I guess. Else I have not heard any of the royals here talk anything but trivialities.

Israel is very concerned about its demographics, it would appear given the number of gaffes from Israeli politicos lately that it is quite happy to ferment internal tensions for jews in other countries, especially europe, to encourage them to emigrate (land grab ) to Israel

Ah, daniel....... I belive the synagogue thankfull still stands in Oslo. Your rant is a bit too hysterical to be taken seriously. I'm sure that according to your calculations of the nations of the world there would not be one single country in all of Europe that you would not classify as anti-semitic- today the attck is out on the Irish and the Norwegians but that goes up and down by the day depending on which country levels the least amount of cticisim of Israel, which political correctness will simply not allow. Criticism of Israel is verboten. It dare not speak its name but you daniel go on thinking that it is 1933 all over again across Europe.

As a non-Jewish, non-religious Norwegian who considers himself a friend of Israel, and that also has spent some time in The Land, i find some of these comments here very offensive. Don't slam me, the Royal Family or the avarage Norwegian for what some anti-semite POS has done with an automatic rifle! The public here does not condone the Synagogue shooting, the media here does not condone the Synagogue shooting, the politicians here do not condone the Synagogue shooting (this even applies to the most rabid leftist, anti-Israel parties here), nor do i believe our Royal Family condones the Synagogue shooting, even though they refrain from commenting on current events, yes, even this. If you want to bash something, bash the worlds banana-shaped coverage of the Middle-East conflict, which incites to these tragic events, bash people who can't tell Israeli politics and the Jewish people apart, and not the least, if he is found guilty, bash the person who today stands accused of the shooting.

once again, the jewish community did well by distancing itself from this complete lack of diplomacy from a .. diplomat. when will israeli authorities understand that they don't represent all the jews?

Just explain something please in case we didn't understand: Is there no instance whatever where the royals express their attitudes or their sorrow? Do they have no official feelings?

I have trouble relating and understanding Royals, they seem so 'out' and in many cases just behave like that. Here is another typical example. I thank my luck that I have nothing to do with Royals of any sort, they can stay in their palaces. For me most of them are really handicapped in coming to terms with normal life and people. And I fully mean that to be Royal starts by behaving like one ....

After reading the talkback to this article I am finally convinced that you people are crazy. You live in your own little psychopathological universe where no consideration, courtesy or respect for other nations is ever needed, and everything is always everybody else's fault. I feel sorry for you Israelis. Maybe one day you'll snap out of it, but the prognosis is bleak at this point.

The real question is have the Royals ever commented on a crime or tragedy occurring in Norway before. If not, no foul. If so, why does Norway have the right to exist when people are starving in Bangladesh and people are crowded in Arab-occupied Gaza, Judea and Samaria?

Dera Vladimir. Thank you of your words. Pity, that I id not understand anything. Russia - nothing to do with me.

Dear Alan. Your mention "Europe hate jews" just confirms me those opinions I was told before coming to Israel...Like - israelis have never forgiven to europeans, what happened 60 years ago,though most of them were not even born then. They have never given up of their eternal victim attitude ( though there has been millions others in the world), they do not trust on anybody but themselves,they see enemies everywhere,they consider everybody who has the courage to criticise them, as an anti-semitist. If you show any sympathy towards civilian people in Gaza or in Lebanon, you are arab lover...What else? I laughed then for those comments as stupid ones.Now I am sad to realise, that those people were not so wrong. By the way - the western Europe is almost the only place in the world, where the freedom of expressions is valued.Ms Shomrat has the right to tell her feelings, but her behaviour only showed the lack of the respect for the royal family dictating them how they should have behaved

As a son of a father, who was born in Czeque rep and had to hide during ww2, and a mother whose parents left Poland in 1938 because of rising troubles for Jews I applaud you. I hurt every time I hear people use Antisemitism for no reason or out of context. I am not saying I haven't received it in Europe (rarely) but it should not be abused like a lot of Jews are doing these days. I respect you and Thor.

Try bombing a mosque and see what happens!!! Or better, Blast Regent's park mosque in London and see what happens! Learn how a royal family should behave! I don't go to synagogues but a house of worship is something important to a society and must be respected. (same for the mosque I was just being sarcastic). If your rroyal family will apologise for the mosque that means that their blood is better than jews blood, and so every thing Israel haters say about thinking that they are better than the rest turns to be the truth about muslims in European eyes. Or maybe they don't want to hurt their labour force...

I represent Denmark just as much as you do, my friend. "Where was the Danish government in their condemning??" - to the best of my knowledge it is a bit of an over-kill to expect a government to react when some lunatics fires a couple of rounds on a building in another country or when other lunatics spit on somebody in the streets of Cph. If you interpret governmental silence of such matters, no wonder you see anti-semitism every where. Get real!

peddle your whoring in your own fu.... russia. idi mraz' v svoi tmutarakan''ili eshche kuda.

Fritz, No one asked what was she interviewed about. was she asked what is your opinion about this? Her statement simply says I think... It is her thoughts. She didn't say I demand...or They should... Saying that (and I'm not a diplomat) I believe this is a poor example of PR and she should be sacked! As for royals; They are useless any ways. Stick to government not natural born tax avadors.

Nik, I think you are very wrong. If Israel wants to be a democracy it should endure criticism! This has nothing to do with anti-semitism, but with Israel's conduct. Anti-semitism includes a racial aspect - hatred towards semites (Jews) for being....Jews. Anti-semitism disgusts and I condemn that kind of behaviour. Being critical of Israel is another matter. I think it is possible - being the democratic being I am - to criticize a certain way of behaviour, be it that of Israel or an Arab state, without being anti-semite or anti-arab. Please tell me how one can disagree with Israeli politics without having to be called anti-semite!? Is that at all possible in your view?

It's in bad taste to attack her ,no matter how "misplaced" her criticism was. The Norwegian royals are certainly not "descendants of the Sun God" ,are they? Nothing untoward would happen from mentioning them

And George R: do you think that the fact that Jews were spitted on on Norrebro makes all Danes anti-semites? Honestly! You fail to mention that Norrebro is a part of Copenhagen with a huge ethnic-moslem immigrant segment and with a just as big radical left-wing youth notorious for their anti-american, anti-israeli, anti-you-mention-it. I do not know whose mouth-water it was, but an educated guess would be that the sender belongd to one of these groups. I would never claim that anti-semitism does not exist - there are bigots everywhere. I just think it is indecent to call Danes en masse anti-semites because of single standing incidents! If you want to call Danes anti-something, it would be more relevant to call them anti-islamic. Read your newspapers, watch the news, follow the public debate. That's todays current! By the way, I didn't watch the Disney-like TV2 last night.

"The royal family in this democratic Scandinavian country is rarely criticized, even by Norwegians." Then it's time for some good, round, criticism. Our ambassador wasn't afraid to be politically incorrect and morally correct. God bless her. BTW, James, #6 is from Kfar Saba like I'm from the moon. And Fritz, #3, thinks diplomacy means keeping one's mouth shut when things must be said. In any case, Norway has never been much of a friend to Israel. Or the Jews. Remember Qvisling?

We remember how the Norweigians handed over their Jews to the Nazis with no fuss and no muss, and I see that Norway's Jews still grovel, fearing it could happen again. Congratulations to our Ambassador for speaking out..that is what a Jewish state is supposed to do. What is Norway's king, some kind of deity who is above feeling the pain of his subjects? That's how Norway's Jews were betrayed during the Holocaust...the leaders didn't want to make waves.

And Hanoman: where is your comment on : Jews in Copenhagen - walking the streets with a "kippa" on their heads are spitted upon .- On Norrebro!!! Shown on TV2 last night- danes anti - semitic???

...King Harald and Prophet Muhammad, or else...

If they happen to be jewish? What kind of country is this one?? And when said citizens are attacked "their" King does not say a word? It takes an ambassador of Israel to point out the double standard? How about a bit of self-examination? Norway does criticize Israel. If it does not want criticism it should shut up on other people's business....

Dear Alan, I am a European and I resent being called anti-semitic! Dear Haaretz, On this board it is not allowed the call people fascist, even though they completely open displays such ideas. However, it is obviously completely acceptable to call people anti-semitic - even when it clearly is not the case. My question to you is whether this is an editorial decision? Do you consider anti-semititism not as bad as fascisism, since you allow the use of the one term and not the other?

Hanoma: Rubbish.. You are not representing Denmark. Further where was the the Danish Govermenty in their condemning?? They are now so afraid of expressing themselves due to the "carricatures" -

Please read my post #56 in response to your claim that: "You`re confusing being critical of the politics of a state that claims to be a democracy (Israel, if you should be in doubt), with anti-semitism. Those two have nothing to do with each other." - Hanoman Certain posters on these boards clearly show that quite the opposite is the case.

This message is addressed to all Jews in the world. Especially the owners and workers of Haaretz. Why can non Jews make blatant anti semetic remarks and you print them. Europe hates the Jews. Case in point the Holocaust. Can Jews print there opinions in other countries Newspapers? Neh, because arabs would be sent top jail for anti govt remarks so what do you think about the Jews?There are about 14 million of world wide. Wake up. It is pure hate. Print this Haaretz if you are not to scared.

Are the body of Isrealis who respond on this newspaper mad? Is there any awareness of how some of the insane ramblings appear to the rest of the world? You are not the only victims on this Planet.

The diplomacy is also to honour the traditions of the country where you are posted!No diplomat have the right to dictate their own rules there. The lack of the respect is the best way to create the relationships between two countries.I am sure, that the royal family has the full respect for Ms Shomrat. If I remembers rigth, the former israeli ambassador in Sweden was sent back home, when he destroyed some electric lamps in the art museum in Stocholm because of his own interpretation of one work there. It totally different thing to tell about your feelings, than to tell somebody what you should do or not, or destroy things, that do not belong to you. How long people in Europe have to be on their knees because of what happened over 60 years ago?

The Pope inslulted the Muslim religion, at least that's how it sounds to most people, who aren't subtle Catholic theologians. I personally don't care for religion, but comparing the pope's remarks to the absence of remarks from the Norweigan Royals is ludicrous. You can't claim that Jews are unhappy in Norway. So criminals attacked a synagogue, they get arrested, and prosecuted as the criminals they are. Where's the problem ? You want the King to single out the Jewish community as show his express support, when they already have it... Same for Sweden. I'm all for jailing or deporting radical clerics but there are laws through which to do that, since we are in democracy. What about the Muslims, Hindus, Atheists, Sikhs, Gays, and all other communities who are discriminated against by a stupid few? Should the King have a kind word for them too? Jews are the only minority which have, in Europe, as much official support as they do, so don't overdo it...

What's the matter with you Jens? What do you have with me #17 ?? Look it up again - you want to bash someone else, I don't know who, not me! By the way, don't be so upset, writing with all those capital letters, it's really not worth it. By the way, I like Scandinavians very much, particularly Norvegians with whom I once worked. Let's you and me listen to some Grieg and calm down.

You're confused, my friend. You mix things up. 1) the synagogue was not destroyed - an number of bullet holes appeared in the outer walls after. That itself is of course complete unacceptable - however, does not amount up to 'destroyed'. 2) the royal family has absolutely nothing to say or do about the assault. If they had gone public and offerd support (or whatever it is you expected from them) they would have been critized for getting involving in politics, which is not their reign. The royal families of Scandinavia are purely 'cosmetic'. They have no business in politics or the like. 3) Norwegians and Swedes and Danes are not anti-semites. You're confusing being critical of the politics of a state that claims to be a democracy (Israel, if you should be in doubt), with anti-semitism. Those two have nothing to do with each other. It seems it is very easy to yell 'anti-semitism'. And you guys are doing that quite a lot. Try to yell "the wolf is coming!".

A royal family can condemn bad behaviour. That has nothing to do with politics. Condemning bad behaviour towards Jews does not implicate being against the palestinians. One can care about both.

A few months ago, in the heath of the Lebanon war, I had to babysitt the goldfish of my neighbours. One evening the bell rang. The man was carrying the large bowl in his arms. I don't remember how the conversation came on the subject of the Lebanon war, but suddenly the neighbour said: "Hitler should have done his work properly." For a few seconds I became frozen like a statue. Luckily for the fish he already stood on the cabinet. Otherwise the bowl would have been smashed into thousands of pieces and dispersed into the widest corners of the room. I recovered quickly. It took me only a minute to explain the historical context that lead to the actual situation. The woman said she understood. The man hesitated, but gave in too. I don't think those people are bad. They only repeat, without thinking, what the dominant individuals at work tell them. It is sufficient to explain what happened to make them change their minds.

So let me get this straight. The pope quotes a 6th Century Emporer and the entire Moslem World climbs up and throw their toys around. A synagogue get's shot at and peiple are arrested in Sweden for attempting to behead the Israeli Ambassador to Sweden and the Israeli Amabassador to Norway is reprimanded for saying that the Norwegian Royal Family should have expressed support. Now that's disproportionate - that is the buzz word of the minute is it not? Let me just say that Good Queen Bess the Second of the UK has expressed sympathy and thereby support for the Jewish community in the UK on a number of occasions following troubles. It is not inappropriate at all, unless of course the government want it to be - and therein lies a tale in itself.

That is the most stupid bullshit and must insulting remark I almost ever seen written...!!!! NORWAY DID RESIST THE GERMANS IN WWII, IT WAS OCCUPIED!!! check up "9 april 1940 Norway" and you will find a lot of facts! AND THE GOVERMNET HEADED BY QUISLING WAS INSTALLED BY A GERMAN GENEREAL BY THE NAME TERBOVEN!!!THE LEGAL GOVERMENT WAS RESCUED AND MANAGED A MILITARY FORCE FROM CANADA AND DIRECTED THE UNDERGROUND FORCES FROM LONDON. NORWAY SUFFERD HEAVY LOSSES DURINING THE WAR, IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH WERE THERE WERE HEAVY RESISTNCE FROM NORWEGIAN TROOPS AND UNDERGRAOUND TOGETEHER. YOU BETTER CHECK UP YOU FACTS!!! YOU ARE A REAL BASTER TO INSULT NORWEGAINS IN THAT WAY. THAT IS ANTI _ NORWEGIENISM (COMPARE TO ANTI SEMETISIM).

Anti-Zionists are the first to say 'I am anti-Zionist, not anti-semitic' and declare that there is no connection between the two, and that criticism of Israel does not amount to criticism of the Jews. When we label anti-Zionism as a front for anti-semitism we are called paranoid, playing the racism ace card, denying legitimate criticism of Israel etc. Thank you then Natalie for at least having the balls to tell the truth: ""Anti-semitism" is brought on by Israeli actions and policies." - Natalie Durson Now maybe the closet anti-semites will just stop trying to hide it behind anti-Zionism, admit what they mean and stop using anti-Zionism as a counter to our claims of anti-semitism. Thank you Natalie, your hurry to slander a Jew has brought out the truth.

I am so sick and tired of Israelies and Jews shouting about their supreme democracy in the State of Israel.The world is not blind.Your state is nothing near a true democracy,and listening to many of the comments made by Israelies here I don`t think that Israel will ever be.Your ignorance towards history and your fanatic need to voice this ignorance serves only to breed more Antisemitism around the world.It is ridiculous! Unsophistication? Hehehe,tell me please: How can you insult and ridicule Norway and Norwegians and at the same time cry about Antisemitism towards Jews and Israel? What is your standard for free speech? Freedom of opinion?

If I understand you correctly: the Israeli ambassador commented on the Norwegian view of Israel and you oppose that. It sounds like she is doing her job. What kind of country do you live in? From what I hear the people, especially your royal family, are as cold as the climate. I heard that if a person wears identification as a Jew in Norway he is threatened by the locals. I hope you don't defend this.

traitor jews do not belong in Israel they should live where they belong with their arab lovers.

The attack on the synagogue, was an attack on the freedom in Norway and all norwegians. The jews, the moslems, the christians and the ateists, they are all norwegians as long as they have a norwegian passport. The people that attacked the synagogues and jews and the people that have been atacking mosks and moslems, and the people that a few years ago was burning churches, will all be punished.

-----jews were not allowed to marry with non-jewish arian norwegians!!!!----- Did you know that jews are not allowed to mary Palestinians and if they do they have to go and live with them out side the state of Israel and their Palestinian spouses are not allowed to enter Israel.

My goodness, what a crazy bunch you are. Norway is a democracy, but they have their traditions, and some concern their royalty. It is their right that their traditions be respected, no? As for the government there, they condemned the attack and arrested the presumed culprits. Burning a synagogue and harming Jews is illegal over there. What more do you want? Should they cry to the jews every day because the Nazis occupied their country and killed their civilians 60 years ago? Jump when your ambassador tells them to? If the Jewish community wishes to leave Norway, they can go to Israel (without having their assets confiscated, like what happened to the Arab Jews). Obviously, they are happy living there, and are Norwegians. They even distanced themselves from the ambassador. I don't see what the problem is. Get real. You live in your little universe where everyone and everything is anit-semitic until proven otherwise. Keep it up and noone will listen to you anymore.

sorry you seem so stupid. there is so much raciscem in Israel...open your eyes...and NO you dont dear to besh everyone here, if you would you would pay. Europe has a define and good lifestyle, Israel not. Gues why all the Israelis want to leave!"

May be you are a Jew , may be an Israeli who knows...but please be human and think about the jews living in Norway. What you think ...keep it to yourself....it only shows your ignorance and lack of education

Israels ambassadors remarks were appropriate. History in WWII was more complex than diff. readers mentioned.Norway resisted the Nazi occupation in a heroic and outstanding way, on the other hand the ruler Quisling became a synonyme for a traitor.The norwegian king tried to resist and went to exile.A little bit of brave behavior could be expected from todays royal family.

simple, the norwegians want to be modern well so let it be modern. modern royalty shows emotions feelings for their people. in case a school was attacked i am sure the king would have spoken but well i am not a cold scandi who wants to be modern (=israel and US bashing) but do not care for its jewish citizens

Wel, in Israel there is freedom of speach, as long as you are jewish. If you are palestinian you are even treathend to exclude your party from election. And there are laws for whom you can maried, who can live in Jerusalem and so on ...... Hardly democratic. In Norway, there is freedom of speach for everyone, except the royals. They can not intefer in politics and they can not take part in political disussions. The royals are critisised by norwegian every day and many will get rid of the monarcy. But for an ambassador from an other country to try to involve them in political disussions and to criticise them is somthing else. The israely ambassador have interfered in everything here, even what books should be used in schools. I am sorry do disapoint you, but we dont kneel for this person and the people here will continue to read, write and say what they want without instructions from the israely ambassador.

In norway the Prime Minister holds a speech at christmas and the King holds a speech at New Year. She can request that the PM mention something in his speech. This would be seen as a minor anoyance if done privatly. if she were stupid enough to say it in puplic it would be irritating. As for the king, No one in norway would dream of requesting the king to say something in his speech. Especialy if it is with a political overture. And for another country to do so is like swearing in a church(synagoge, inviting ajmedinadjad to washington etc..). And my pleasure Uschi. Thank you for your kind words.

what typical ignorants the royal family of norway apparently are how disgusting that they must appear neutral when our house of worship is destroyed, shame on the norwegians and their ignorant antisemitic populace which unfortunately includes the swedish anti israel (read jew ) populace .

The interesting thing about this story is that the Jewish community in Norway wants nothing to do with this envoy's comments. From an Israeli point of view I am sure that this obviously must be the result of a cohersive and submissive atmosphere - the Jewish community simply dare not speak out against their Scandinavian suppressors. The envoy's outburst is obviously either result paranoia or a lousy politician's attempt to promote a certain agenda. Everyone with the slightest knowledge of Norway (or the rest of Scandinavia for that matter) knows that it is not anti-semitic at all.

these leftist so called liberal "tolerant" countries make me sick. i bet if there was an attack on a moslem, the royalty & government would come out with all sorts of sympathies & denunciations including somehow blaming israel & jews. here here to europe the great historical continent for jews.

IT MUST HAVE FELT GREAT TO "GIVE IT" TO THESE BUTTONED UP RELICS.... I THINK THE AMBASADOR DESERVES OUR "THANKS" FOR SAYING IT LIKE IT SHOULD BE SAID!!!

The fact we did not hear anything from the royals when a synagoge was attacked and seeing their age they were probably around when the nazi laws were voluntarily implemented in Norway to set Jews appart from 'good' norwegians shows that the royals do not give a damn about Jews in Norway. Diplomacy is not Israel's strength however, if a mosque was attacked after 9/11 would the royals not have said we feel for our muslim citizens and wish them a good ramadan? so why when jews do nothing to provoke their fellow norwegians and when new year comes not wish them a happy and safe new year? or actually does the norwegian government deep in their heart wish the jews would disappear from Norway?

Therefore, Israelis forget that when they travel to so-called democracies, they should be careful not to annoy the locals and their traditions. We are so unruly that we forget that other countries are very touchy about class and hierarchies. Here, we bash anyone; no one is immune. Oiysh, we're sooo pushy. By the way Norway is finally getting some attention, even if it is in an Israeli newspaper; good for them, poor souls.

... I do not want to interfere in this subject .... But I thought I might give arthur a chance to call some one else "anti-semetic"..... LOL

Hi Arthur, Yes, I was aware of the shameful clause in Norway's original 1814 constitution that banned most Jews from the country. This clause was rescinded in the 1850s, but I heard it mentioned as a source of shame for Norwegians by the current finance minister in a speech earlier this year. That aside, your contention that Norway did not resist Nazi occupation is patently untrue. The Norwegian government went into exile in London. Nazi orders to round up Jews were often, though not always, resisted. Armed resistance to the occupation and collaboration with the allies continued throughout the war.

To norway jewish community and norway citzen in general. We citzen of the world are shoulder by shoulder with you, and we will pray to your community. We know the hard times that you are passing in these days. To the jewish community specially in these festivals days.Dont be shy and please, go to the sinagogue.Be proud to be a jew! Who protect and knows everything is not these King, but the king of all kings! May be the norway king knows Who Gd is!May be not. And He knows what All mighty expected from him. In good days and bad days we will be with you! Shana Tova! And a easy Yom kippur.

Thank you for a good and easy explanation for all those readers who do not know about Norway or being a European jew in Norway.

Norway's history during the Nazi occupation 60 years ago is totally irrelevant for the subject at hand. The point is that an Israeli diplomat made demands upon the Royal family that are totally out of line with Norway's political system. This is unprofessional in as much as she should have known better and it needlessly antagonized those whose support Israel should seek. A medieval German proverb says:"The more enemies the more honor". With such diplomats soon Israel will be the most honored state on earth.

Dear Sharon , you have absolut no idea about Norway. Believe me it is in Israel where I lack many times democracy, honesty and fair play. You do not know the situation and if you only have been in Israel ...you definately do nit know how dempcracy could be. Or do you rearly think that everybody in Israel has the same rights????? Please open your eyes.

"jews were not allowed to marry with non-jewish arian norwegians!!!!" so, Arthur, you marry Palestinian ? what happen in Norway is that Israel Ambassador deliberately set out to cause trouble for Norway Jewish Community. is interesting in Europe how distinction is made between Jews and Israel. Mendel would not have expected, but is good that those who wish to take advantage of antisemitism, like Ambassador for Israel, are being shown as really are.

Norway, like France, allied with the Nazis during WW2, and were complicit in sending Norwegian Jews to the concentration camps. You need to read up on your history.

You say you have a good knowledge of history, yet your knowledge seems limited to world jewishness. True Norway had anti Jewish laws(racist nature) early in the 19 century. I think they were changed in the 1840's but I'm not sure. However Norway did resist occupation. There was fighting in Norway from the day of the invasion (April 9.) until the middle of June, when the allies withdrew. How many countries held up the Germans for two months in 1940? The resistance continued through the war. It had to be covert since 1 in every 8 people was a German soldier. 400 000 Germans 3.5 million Norwegians. However the King and government kept fighting from London.

Many Israelis do not know when or how to talk. It is sad that even the embassador did not know what is appropriate. Experience shows again and again that there is a large difference between Israelis and Jews in general.

If so, then I don't think it's too much to say happy new year to the Jews.

There was no law in norway before the war saying that a jewish person could not maried other norwegians. And many did. And so did my grandparents. And Norway, which was deklared nutral and had built down the millitary, went on fighting for 2 months with poor weapons. They even took back areas and towns before they had togove up in june They went on fighting from England and other countries.

Go On Mr Presedent--You no it makes sence

It is easy to you to stay in your chair! It is not you that was in a sinagogue in flame! What would you do if this thing happened to you? The first thought is to exinguish the flame. The second is the thought that you are not equal to another people, because we cant pray like others...Even if you didnt say nothing about the conflit in ME. We are different because we are jewish and we know that this is a campaign against jews in our own country - this is anti-semitism and we know where it can end. most govern says that is criminal... We know that is political and intends to fright us, in a fascism methods. If the ambassador can be behadead, why not its own citzens? How can you dare to say something against in your confortable chair? About Universal Decla Human Rights? See the iman of norway, the same doesnt aplly to jews.

... about Israel's bad standing internationally? With "diplomats" like these it's just natural.

When we in Denmark had our so called 'Mohammed-carricature' scandal going on, Israel join the pack of wolves howling who the Imams thought they were trying to tell the civilized world what they could publish in their free press. However, retrospect Israel has an eclatant history of trying to interfere in the freedom of speech when in comes to something dear to them. The Israeli ambassador vandalizing a art exhibition in Stockholm, Sweden, is just one example.

"Anti-semitism" is brought on by Israeli actions and policies. This would include big mouths like Shomrat who would dictate how Norways royal family should react to anti-Jewish behaviour, but doesn't care a fig for them otherwise. In any case, different cultures, different customs. Doesn't Israel give prospective ambassadors a crash course in how to behave in foreign countries?

Norway did not resist the occupation by Nazi Germany but above all as an illustration of its collaboration way before WWII the Norwegians implemented racial laws stricter then the Nurnberg laws (tell me if you do not know what they are and i will explain it to you as my knowledge of history is quite good unlike urs). Based on these laws way before Norway joined the nazi ranks, jews were not allowed to marry with non-jewish arian norwegians!!!! I reckon you did not know that or did you? So simon what u got to say about that?

This is what I would call amateur diplomacy. The rules regarding the royal family are not on paper. However Norwegian society has several norms to follow, which as an ambassador, she should be aware of. 1. Don't criticize people who can't defend them selves: The royal families strength in Norway stems from the fact that they are not political. Any comment which could be construed as representing a side in the political arena is a big NO NO. The problems in the middle east are high on the political agenda in Norway. 2. Norwegian citizens are Norwegians, not jews, Muslims, catholics etc. Her comment means she is saying that the jews in Norway are Israelis. And that calls into question the loyalty of Norwegian jews. I don't think Norwegian jews want to be seen as Israelis. She has tried to involve herself in the Norwegian debate several times. The result has been that she has annoyed more and more people.

Nice job to be ambasador. And Norway is, of course, a nice place. Too bad it requires a lot of work...

The only "inappropriate" thing here is Norway's disdain for the feelings of the foreign envoy whose head was going to be removed by the four beauties in Norwegian custody. What the terrorists failed to do literally, the passionless Norwegian head of state and his government have managed to complete figuratively. Must be the Jews's fault. Too pushy. Why won't they just let us sweep this under the rug. This is Norway. We harbor a severely radical Imam and we don't want any trouble.Can't those Jews just be quiet.

Miriam Shomrat, You are the first of Israeli officials, that I know of, who has the courrage to speak out, against foul deeds against Jews. I wish there were more like you, keep saying what you think if you are right. The Norwegians will not like us less or better. And as for the Jewish Comunity in Oslo, they are afraid and a good kick somewhere, I am sure, would help them to get some of their pride back to be Jewish.

Since Universal Declaration of Human Rights say about right to life, the right to equality before the law,the freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of assembly and association, maybe it is not a value to this kingdom.It citzen are not Israeli, but citzen of norway, by protection from the king and its kingdom.The lack of criticism says by his silence that he approve the fire of a sinagogue of its fellow citzen. Shame of the kingdom, because, fascism ever started with jews by never stop with them.

This lady hae been intefering into everything from what poems and books that should be og not be read in schools to what the royals, gowernment and others should say and not say. If it is anti semitic to say that borders should be made, setling should be stopped and the palestinians also deserve a human life, it is a honour. The ambassador, the israely gowernment and so many of you have been miss-using the word so much that it have lost its meaning.

Israel finally is the only re-insurance of jews. This is in good and in bad times. The attack on the synagoge may have been anti-semitic or anti-Israeli. Who cares and who knows. The ennemies do not distinguish ! At any rate it is the obligation of Israel to comment!!!

For Norway to call itself a democracy, and then slam an ambassador, or government, for criticizing the Royal family, makes one wonder just how many countries on the face of the earth even have a clue as to the definition of democracy.

The sentece speaks by itself. Shame of the king, the king of elites. I dont belive that the jewish community is bowing, I belive that they dont know what democracy is...

Sounds much like the Austrailian reason for not letting jewish refugees into Austrailia during WWI, "we don't have an anti-semitism problem, and we don't want one. God forbid the queen wish a happy new year for the Jewish people.

You can't be criticized, you can't be spoken to or about unless kindly and favorably, leave everyone alone!!! If someone says something which can be interpreted in ANY way as against the Jews, they're anti-semitic!! GOD FORBID, THAT WOULD BE THE DIVINE CRIME OF ETERNITY!!! Even if no one says anything, they're accused of not saying enough!! And of course being anti-semitic. EVEN ROYALTY of other countries!! THE NERVE! Enough about the crap that happened with the Nazi's, we all acknowledge your suffering, we all feel for you, but you weren't the only ones killed in WWII you know!!

The norwegian government and also the royal court is famous for sending out a lot of unsuitable comments and feelings. The court has for long been un sophisticated lot with a divorsed ex drug addict soon becomming the queen! And ministers are extremely rapid in criticising Israel, but swallowing totalitarians

Arthur - Norway was OCCUPIED by Nazi Germany during the Second World War, an occupation that cost thousands of Norwegian lives. Your crass accusations of anti-semitism are undermined by your ignorance of history.

This just shows, again, that many times the right man for the job is.....a woman. The reaction of the community is typical "Galutic". They don't call themselves the "Jewish Community", it's the "Mosaic Community".

and should stop bullying governments around telling them what to do or not to do especially royals.. they simply dont like it

It appears that Israel's talent for making friends has suffered a bit lately.

While no one should be above criticism, Ms. Shomrat could have been a good deal more diplomatic. I don't see the point of antagonizing the Norwegians.

It is amazing to see how afraid the small Jewish community is by kneeling and kissing the shoes of its Norwegian masters. Simply stated a shooting attack on the synagoge and plans to behead the Israeli ambassador to Sweden should have made the Norwegian royals go out of their way to wish the Jewish community strength in these difficult days and assure them they are safe in Norway, which allied itself to nazi Germany. Any way its shows again lots of oil money does not make people more sophisticated.