Sarid rejects Norway's offer of citizenship to bypass boycott

If the Norwegian Govt is so keen for Mr Sarid to attend, why dont they simply change the venue for the conference? The solution seems blindigly obvious. Any attempt to hold it in a country with such bigoted views means it is doomed to failure if held there, regardless of who attends.

I guess that all the other participants will not attend the conference. This is the least an honorable person can do.

From 1948 to 1967 the Israelis were not in control of the West Bank and Gaza. THey had no ability or intention of preventing a Palestinian state being created on those lands. My question, which you seem to have ignored, is did Indonesea have diplomatic relations with Israel at that time. If the answer is no, you have a lot of explaining to do.

Hooray to Indonesia for treating Israelis the way they treat Palsetinians. The only difference is, Palestinians are deporting people who were born here, while Sarid is just an unwelcome visitor. So let me get this, Jews leave Palestine for 3000 years and they think they have the right to be citizens and return, but Palestinians born here before or after 1948 cannot. Sarid angry? And you wonder why Palestinians are livid?

But Brad Pity about its people,and their institutions.Are they all party to this? Perhaps not all.Their politicos may be at fault here.I was about mention the E.U. But they are not members of it.Still in Europe and by association Eurabians.

Star of David What hypocricy and how does the Norwegians have the gall to offer such insulting proposition.I am glad that Sarid turned it down without further ado. And to think they are asking to put troops in Lebanon? BLAH! Speechless to say the least...

Norway ...... did your embassy got burned too when your friends in indonesia burned the Danish Embassy??

It would be best that your goverment not allow mr. Sarid to your country. It's not that i agree with your goverment's reasoning, i am thinking of mr. Sarid's safety. you see in your country there are a lot of crazy people ..... thinking that they have the best religion in the entire planet. i think that in binging mr. sarid to indonesia .... his life would be in danger ...... also, it would be best to relocate so called conference to another country .... it is a big joke for indonesia to host it ..... why not try the philippines ...... or thailand .... not malaysia!

yossi how sad you must be ? you can see the reality of the arab intolerance !! this is the arab boycott in the face of israel and in your face !! it will be an intolerant conference because the far left is going give the world a lesson of antisemistic rethoric !! you can now realize that they are far away from the values that you share and that i would like to share with the arab world !!!

The reason the conferance is held in indonesia is because it's the most populated muslim country and is more or less a democracy. Indonesia is also a tolerant society compared to many of the other muslim countries. Perhaps the conferance could be held in another country... How about Saudi Arabia?

The Lunies in Norway finaly found their friends: Indonesia. I gess finally there was a state who totally clean from genocide(please forget about East Timor butchery), 100% democratic and with great legal system, where person who openly call to slater Jews and organized dead squareds of suiside bombers who slater 200 none-Muslims get not more that 2 years of prison. These idiots scandinavian totaly lost any connection to reality

I am amazed by some Israelis like Adam who think they can justify occupation and oppression as a means for them to live peacefully in Israel. It?s the chicken and the egg dilemma! Many countries like Indonesia will continue to refuse Israeli citizens entry to their country as a non-violent protest against the occupation and treatment of Palestinians. Israel in my opinion can change world perception, gain a lot more friends including some of their neighbors if they lead by example. Imagine if the Israeli-Palestinian roles where reversed ie. the way things where prior to 1948!

No complaints from them about Muslim intolerance, racism, hatred, etc. No admitting the hypocrisy of a Muslim country holding a conference on "tolerance" and not allowing an Israeli. Pure hypocrites, but that's not new.

27, 36 Let me say it in more simple vernacular since you guys missed the point. It's not a "How to not be an Anti-Semite Conference". It's perfectly reasonable to dismiss whatever findings they make post adendum but where does anyone get off taking shots at Norway because they don't sacrifice life and limb for Israel? Read more carefully and understand sarcasm when you see it next time guys. We haven't finished solving tolerating gays, freedom of the press, and women's rights in the old USofA yet. 74 I am awed by your intellectual elitism, you really put me in my place. Here's your stupid answer "yes". Also read above since your royal smarty pants didn't seem to get it. 57 I wasn't addressing Sarid. The people in "Chill People" are the ego-maniacal saber rattling posters who wish to alienate the Jewish population from of the rest of the western world by attacking random countries for complicated situations.

"Were there diplomatic relations between Indonesea and Israel before 1967?" The reason that Indonesia refused to recognize Israel four decades ago could be different from the reason Indonesia maintains no diplomatic relations with the country now. I am quite sure once Israel makes peace with Palestinians and there are no more news about IDF killing Palestinian children and women, Indonesia will recognize Israel. For your information, several years ago there have been enthusiastic discussions here about establishing relations with Isreal. Now, after Lebanon war's brutality, I am not sure people here will be as enthusiastic.

..."you going to have to dig deeper to find the cause of Indonesea`s refusal to recognize Israel..." May I give a favor for Ucok to answer, that is because WE LOVE PEACE, BUT WE LOVE FREEDOM EVEN MORE. If Palestinnian people have to endure more and more miserable wars against the much more powerful Israel to gain freedom, lets BE IT. This is not about some romantic ideals from the STARS, but just about simple idea of getting freedom to have a state of their own. Is that too much? But, anyway, I knew what your respond will be. Don't bother to answer.

The Lebanese official would be arrested by his own government for acknowledging Israel. Did you see what happended to that general who was drinking tea with the Israelis.

"Moreover, Indonesia has not diplomatic ties with Israel, nor with Taiwan now and South Africa in the past. With Taiwan, because of afraid of losing giant friend China, with South Africa because of apartheid, with Israel because of... its brutality towards Palestinians." Were there diplomatic relations between Indonesea and Israel before 1967? Because if there were not, you going to have to dig deeper to find the cause of Indonesea's refusal to recognize Israel.

...Keep it up... You are an honest man too. But honestly, I would like say that I feel better if you were a little angry with my comment. A little ADRENALIN will keeping us alert. Just kidding!

and a Lebanese wanted to attend. Maybe they would accuse him of supporting Hezbollah.

Sorry..i did not mean to imply that only lefties care about human rights...Of course you are right. Your post seemed to be a swipe at Sarid, which he does not deserve. Now could be a time of unity...where Left and Right..those who believe in a smaller Israel that allows Palestinians the chance to go it on their own..and those who believe that in an Israel that is in control of a large State and in control..respectfull control..of all its inhabitants..naw..forget it.We won't come together....

to Jewilicious, enjoy our service on our jewish online newspaper. feel free to vent here, we welcome it, warm regards from amsterdam, you should come over for a visit by the way, refresh your body of knowledge about holland.

The wickdness with which Israel existance was brought to bear is at best a disgusting case of racism. Conducted by a minority around the world with wealth, power and influence. If you are thinking of blowing your top, this is really what happened, and the palis were thrown in the dungeons of Israel and forgotten. It is all over your faces.

Being Israel a strong society/country, being Diaspora Jews relatively successful, it is time to improve our image by showing empathy for the suffering of the decent people of Palestine, by being conciliatory in petty theological debates, and by weeding out Jewish cults and fundamentalism. The long Christian - Jewish hostility was so stupid, and Jews had a share in the rigid trench warfare. Enlightenment has been good to those Jews who embraced it, but too many took the side of the rabbinical tradition, and were prepared for perpetual martyrdom. Now it is the time to seek a compromise with all decent Muslims. It is time to appreciate the decency of billions of Muslims, and fight only the criminally fundamentalist leaders.

.. travel and show their work at international festivals which are then screened in Israel proper. NO PROBLEMS. You just show your ignorance. Few months ago a wrote a post in responze to Franzen(Does any one hear from him lately!? We miss his rants for entertainment and studies of sclerotic minds) outlinning my experiences with Swedish Gusto of Superiority towards the Norwegians and Fins. The Swedes always joke and point out that Norwegians ar "village Idiots". So I must say now after this special treatment forSarid "The Jew". Perhaps the Swedes after living with Norwegians for centuries, prior to 1905,know them better. The Norwegians do exhibit the mental capacity of "Village Idiots". To compound thier affliction they do suffer from obssesive dislike of Jews, otherwise called antisemitism. So it seems that Quisling,Knut Hamsund(the Nazi admirer who gave Hitler His Nobel Prize statue )and Jostein Gaarder( last weeks are indeed the product of a very anti semitic Norwegian society

Dive into stinky slums of your native city! Try to struggle the Indonesian Poverty! Try to deracinate terrorism in Your Own Country! Try to help Indonesia to see real 'merdeka' (it seems that you call a freedom this way)! You have so much to do at place where you live. Instead you give advice to Israel. Jews cannot follow your advice. It is anti-Jewish, it would lead to destruction of Israel, and everyone knows it. Even you know!

They might win the Euro-prize for most politically correct. First prize is a box of tissues.

so eat the the stew you helped cook.

When will you morons in this world realize that the seperation of Jews from Israelis is only a matter of convenience used by Muslims that target us all!!! When they threaten Israel and are condemned they say they are against Zionism. When the world screams bloody murder, they say they are not against Jews. When they say all Jews should go back to Europe, the world again screams, and they say they don't have anything against Jews. Tell that to the woman that was gunned down in cold blood by the insane Pakistani in Seattle. Tell that to the Jews families whose graves are overturned by racists and Muslim thugs in Toronto. They don't differentiate except out of convenience. Muslims hate Jews plain and simple. Otherwise they would stand up to the crazies and make peace between the two religions!!!

If Indonesia is not ready for "bridging the gaps" and allowing for a truly open dialog to take place, what is the point of helding such meeting there? As a "matter of principle" Norway should cancel the event or move it to another country. Anything less is a surrender to the dark forces of fundamentalism and racism.

Isn't that a classic example of Arabs/Muslims playing the "we are all peaceful people" card. They refuse admission to an Israeli journalist to participate in something dealing with equality. Surprise Surprise. When will the world wake up??? Where are the defeaning screams from the British journalists threatening to boycott Indonesia??? Where are the defeaning screams from some UN organization that should be protesting on Mr. Sarid and Israelis behalf???? Nowhere, absolutely Nowhere!!!! Giving land back, handing over concessions is just part of THEIR master plan to make their job easier of finishing off a weakened Israel. Just another fine example of double sided prejudice in this fine world we live in.

Big deal most Isralis I know have dual citizen ship.

Sorry, I'm not fit concerning the Norwegian language. ;-) But Norway and Yassir Arafat would fit together very well as Peace Nobel Prize winners, wouldn't they?!? ;-) In any case something hypocritical hovers over both of them!....

and you have eartned it.

?the indonesians don`t want him because he is an Israeli, not because he is a jew.? So you mean it makes the Indonesian government more tolerant? More or less tolerance is an issue with many perspectives. To answer your question. It means they are not jew haters.

" I wonder if they would accept an arab Israeli? Hmm, won`t happen since the pour guy would`nt be let back into Israel..." Yeah right, that's why I meet so many Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in Jerusalem who have travelled in Europe, or in the States, or even visited Australia, for educational purposes or via some NGO or just for the sake of it. Don't let the propaganda getcha, eh?

As much as I disagree with Yossi Sarid on most things, credit where due for his stance. kol hakavod

?the indonesians don`t want him because he is an Israeli, not because he is a jew.? So you mean it makes the Indonesian government more tolerant?

I didnt know Indonesian was a peace country. I have heard something about Indonesia in East Timor. I bet that Indonesia would have allowed hamas and hizbollah to attend the conference with no problem . I see it would and that it doesn?t take into account the brutality of the pals and hizbollah, which force Israel to retaliate.

From a norwegians point of view, giving somebody a norwegian passport seems strange. My passport needs renewal next year. And the renewal costs about 100$. Perhaps Sarid did'nt want to pay the bill? Seriously dual citicenship in Norway is very complicated, and for the norwegian goverment to offer that, they would have seriously had to cut through a ton of red tape. Also the political ramifications are as yet unknown. This probably means they really really wanted him to come. But it still seems strange. They must have known that he would refuse. I don't know how normal it is for Israelis to get dual passports in order to travel to new places, but for a norwegian it would be unthinkable. Oh and please remember that the indonesians don't want him because he is an Israeli, not because he is a jew. I wonder if they would accept an arab Israeli? Hmm, won't happen since the pour guy would'nt be let back into Israel.....

I respect Sarid for his principle. Yet, it is understandable that Indonesia refused to give Sarid a visa in light of IDF's recent brutality in Lebanon, Israel's opposition to Indonesian troops in Lebanon. Moreover, Indonesia has not diplomatic ties with Israel, nor with Taiwan now and South Africa in the past. With Taiwan, because of afraid of losing giant friend China, with South Africa because of apartheid, with Israel because of... its brutality towards Palestinians. It has nothign to do with anti-semitism. There are many Jews in Indonesia, who are mostly rich with large land properties. Even our former President Abdurrahman Wahid, an Islamic scholar, was willing to become a director of Shimon Peres' Institute for Peace at the Hebrew University ... because Peres is a man of peace.

The whole idea about holding a "freedom of expression" conference in Indonesia is absurd. It's freedom of expression all right, that is if one freely expresses anti-western and anti-israeli propaganda. My daughter (holder of Israeli passport), being a naive twenty-something, decided to go on a trip to S-E Asia (including Bali) with three her American friends. My unsoliscited advice to skip Indonesia was (of course) ignored. Well, not only my daughter was refused an Indonesian visa, but her friends were rejected just because their passports were in the same envelope! I can, may be, excuse my daughter for being naive, but to see Mr. Sarid in the same awkward situation is just pathetic. He should've known better.

Sarid is partly responsible for Israel's decline and malaise. There is no need to lionize him for spurning an offer rooted in Israel hatred.

I suppose when one has to fight for his survival, image is not his main concern. As for Indonesia?s political correctness and tolerance, it has been exposed by the Indonesia government itself.

Your idea that the only thing that's in it for leftists is to be awarded brownie points from abroad is cynically off the mark. Some people - and this goes over the whole left-right spectrum - have principles. Sarid is one of them. Wish there were more of them.

The thing has started very badly The stated goal of the conference is "bridging gaps between different religions, cultures and peoples." Funny way to build bridges. If the other attendants have self respect and are really for bridging gaps , they shouldn?t attend either. Notice that Indonesia is one of the sponsors of the ?bridges to be built? and it was this country that rejected him. I bet Indonesia tries to pretend it is for promoting tolerance. If that were true, they would preach with the example. Sarid is right not to attend the conference and cooperate with such intolerant and hypocritical people.

Why not ? Benjamin Netanyahu was prime minister and had an American passport. If something constructive can come out of it I think that there is no reason he should not go. It could help a little to soften the Indonesians view of Israel .

I am (former, pre-Bibi) Likudnik, but I always liked and respected Yossi Sarid. (Compare to Beilin, yak......). I am not surprized that he did the right thing, but I am impressed. Norway did, what Norway does: clueless in Oslo. Real bunch of spacekadets. Can't really hate them, but wonder what planet they are from....

On reading the article, I remembered Yonatan?s manifesto ?Why I am proud to be a Jew?. I guess Yonatan has one more reason to be proud, and this reason is the Yossi Sarid`s dignity.

I agree with you that peace between two warring nations will not come about on its own; that there must be dialogue. Yossi Sarid has proven himself to be a sincere and honest man, even though I disagree with many of his policies. Mr. Sarid should have been permitted to participate in the meeting, and I understand that you do not have the power to control the Government in Indonesia. Likewise, I do not have the power to control the Government in the United States, and in spite of the fact that I am asked to send in financial contributions to the Republican party. I urge that you continue to work for peace, as we have just witnessed the hardships and misery of war.

Sarid, who is usually a respectable member of the enlightened progressive camp, made a colossal blunder this time. On the personal level, he missed the opportunity to get a genuine European passport, much coveted by enlightened Israelis. On a political level, he is now acting to sabotage a conference on tolerance and freedom of expression, which is very sad. By doing so, he is in effect blowing the wind into the neocon mill! If he is such a tender soul that he was offended by the generous Norwegian offer, at least he could have sit at home and simply shut up!

The Soviets had puppets. The Kadars, Ulbrichts, Castros have followed Kremlin rules. A similar political correctness rules the Islamic governments: Hate Israel! We see that the Iranian fascists can freely attack Israel through Hezbollah and Hamas proxis. A change may come from the Saudi king after ending the Iranian fascist rule. The Iranian people need to end the current fascism, and initiate peaceful reforms. Finally, Israel must explore a civilized tone with the decent ordinary Palestinians. Israel's image is completely ruined. End the discrimination of the Palestinians! Build the country together. At the same time, Palestinians must end the criminal cooperation with Iran, and disarm the warlords and kidnappers. We hope that all violence will cease.

Yossi Sarid should be president. So what if he's decided to bow out of political life? The position is almost entirely ceremonial. Isn't that why they got rid of good ol' Ezer? Too political? Sarid would be perfect. An eloquent speaker, English is rather good too. I can just see him now shaking hands with Queen Liz. SARID FOR PRESIDENT!

Even though i am critical of the Zionist Israeli govt. and its policies it doesnt mean that i will boycott, not communicate with, not have Israeli friends. I have Israeli friends, some of whom are in the IDF and others who work fot the govt. I think this is a huge mistake and miscalculation from Indonesia! Especially considering the conference he was invited to attend! I wouldve thought that he would be invited BECAUSE he is Israeli JUST to make a point. Kol HaKavod/Mabrouk Shalom Aleichem/Salam Aleikum

From the start I disagree with most of your comments but this one I have to say it is fair and honest. Keep it up.

Even if I disagree with this decision of refusing to grant visa to Sarid, I can understand it. Nothing personal Sarid and Haaretz.

Our country has a superb high tec. of weapons in the world that cavable to "zoom in" the locations of the enemys target but always blaming anothers for each misstargeting, it is to "chiken" to admitt it!!!!!!! what a shame!!!! and our country will always get protections from our beloved "uncle" no matter what we're doing, bad or good, we are always good!!!! right or wrong we're always right!!!! white or black, we're always white!!!!!Ohh.. what a nice country. Shame on me. Sarid,its a time for us to thinking why there is so many country and so many people opossed to our beloved country, why....? why....?

"...The more thought I gave to the offer, the angrier I became? I have no other country and I have no other nationality..." If I was Sarid, I would do the same. But, this is not about Sarid, neither about Haaretz too. I'm a witness that Haaretz is one of admirable symbol of free press in the world, much more free than many European or American press that I knew. Personally I disagree with Indonesian government refusing's to granting visa to Sarid. This was a wrong decision, but what I knew, after rejection from Israel to Indonesia to take part in International Forces in Lebanon, it got a lot of pressure to such kind of retaliation. Unfortunately, to the wrong ones. I knew there are a lot of good and peaceful people in Haaretz.

Imagine that Israel would have had the impertinence to not allow a Norwaygian Gaard from coming to Israel to participate in a similar Conference which is fostering the respect and tolerance of the existence of Peoples and their Religion. Imagine how the whole Western World: Le MOnde, Guardian all the Times of such a world, and obviously the Scandivnian Media: A concerted alarm would have been heard around the "Enlightened" WEstern Word about the racist attitude of Israel towards Gaard. Well, now, am I proud of Sarid for demonstrating the hypocrisy and the lack of sensitivity of Norway that is emblimatic of its attitutde towards Israel and the Jewish faith in general.Even the promotion of a simple Museum for Holocaust has received in Norway a subliminal treatement: THey are calling such a MUseum : of Holocaust and Religious tolerance. What Religion that was not tolerated in the Holocaust?but of course: JUdaism, while Islam lent its support for the extremination of the Jews.

Where is Indrajaya when we need him? Is he looting in East Timor? His he beheading Christians in Aceh province? Is he exploting Irian Jaya? Is he claiming Queensland, Australia as part of the Ummah? Is he cleaning up after the tsunami? Loss of memory = amnesia Loss of gratitude = Indonesia

Hi melanie. What an interesting place holland is turning out to be. The three dutch who regularly post on this jewish site are all virulently anti-israeli. But they are the only 3. It must be so frustrating for you (plural) that the significant dutch majority are still a solid, trustwothy, honest, ethical, hardworking and empathetic nation and people. But i accept your right to bitch and moan in a jewish paper. Do u have similar opportunities in amsterdam to vent your spleen? Seriously interested. Do your thing, and enjoy our service. :)

Are you out of your mind? Do you actually believe the drivel you wrote?

Yeah Jiminy, journalists are treated much better in the Arab countries. As long as the report exactly what the dictator wants them to report. If not, off with their heads.

No doubt the intelligentsia will be there in full force ignoring the irony. Maybe someone can bring up the matter of colonialism,pillage and murder in Papua by the largest Moslem nation in the world,Indonesia. Will the humanitarians ask for damages for the Timorese from Indonesia.? Or will they be too busy praising the Indonesian freedom of expression and tolerance?

......Norway has to think longer than to the tip of their nose. They really looooove to be the peace-fixers on this planet, but unfortunately they don't understand the basics to succeed in this area. A naive nation? yes sure. But maybe they need to be in the global peace business, due to their cold country, as the exitement makes their blood rush and thus keep them warm.

During the spring of 1999 (Springtime for Milosevic) NATO bombs rained down on Kosovo/Serbia. I'll remind you of one incident among many: Near Krk Bunar, one civilian killed and three injured (French philosopher Daniel Schiffer, Times reporter Eve-Ann Prentis, and "Corriera della Sera" reporter Renzo Cianfanelli) in an attack on a foreign journalist convoy on the Prizren-Brezovica road (5/31/99). A country that fires rockets at the vehicle of news reporters can hardly be expected to be welcomed at a conference like this.Your words Mr. Silverman, and why the double standard. Logically then, no NATO countries should be invited either.

Well said Brad. Short and to the point.

Mate, have you read the article you're responding to? So you're saying that sarid was refused entry because of "the way israel treats journalists"? Incredible! What's that got to do with the price of potatoes in antartica? Indonesia is rabidly anti-jewish, vehemently pro fundamentalist, violent muslim and has (only today) begun to answer questions how a killer terrorist in their jail planned and executed a second terror attack from his jail cell. Indonesia, a model of international and intercultural benevolence and understanding. Indonesia has massacred the east timorese, is killing off the west papuans and has subjugated the gentle Hindu Balinese. Their violent, muslim fundamentalists have killed hundreds of foreigners in bomb attacks and their master minds have walked free. Norway is emabrrassed, but it's difficult to blame her. She tried to get an antipathetic, antagonistic government involved in some positive peace dialogue and did not succeed.

Sorry Ta Ban but it MAY be a second language or a cognitive issue or something. You jump to too many conclusions. Too quickly. Read what i wrote and from where I write!! Perth is in west australia. You knew that, I'm sure. Australia is in the southern hemisphere, relatively close to indonesia. If that is difficult, read this post again. Confused? Thought you might be...... I know that Oz has troops in Afghanistan and police in West Papua, but not in lebanon last we read the newspapers. Write me again and let me know. You really are a card, you!!

"to the real world it is irrelevant how evolved a jew thinks he is, he is still a jew, and therefore UNWELCOME!!!" Are you saying that that is the way you treat Jews in Amsterdam or are you saying that as an unwelcome Jew in Amsterdam? Sarid never claimed to be superior to or more evolved than other Jews. He sees that military solutions will not bring peace to Israel and says so, he has his principles and is one of the few public figures here who actually sticks to them. Amsterdam, so far as I remember, currently has a Jewish mayor, right? How does Job Cohen tie in with your theory?

I agree, Norway should receive the Nobel prize for fickleness, stupidity and morbid malice. A great big bucket of ... how do you spell it in Norwegian?

but it MAY be a second language or a cognitive issue or something. You jump to too many conclusions. Too quickly. Read what i wrote and from where I write!! Perth is in west australia. You knew that, I'm sure. Australia is in the southern hemisphere, relatively close to indonesia. If that is difficult, read this post again. Confused? Thought you might be...... I know that Oz has troops in Afghanistan and police in West Papua, but not in lebanon last we read the newspapers. Write me again and let me know. You really are a card, you!! PS Just for fun, would you be saying that Israel supports/operates terror groups, Ta Ban?

Yossi Sarid you are my man , and Indonisia want to send an army force to south Lebanon, they aes as stupid as the Norwigians to beleive that a good Israeli would act so low .

I see you are saying that anyone who isn't a "lefty" is someone who does not care about other's human being's rights? I would say that is a condescending approach and a dangerous one. There is quite a range of views between strict right and left, but your patronizing attitude is typical of snotty leftists who think they are better than everyone else. The world is hypocritical and cruel and it's all a big show. Why is Sarid denied access to the "lets all get along" conference? What has he done wrong? My point is when the world wants to hate you, it doesn't matter what your views are, especially if you are a Jew. What really counts in the world are interests, energy and money, don't be so naive.

But so many Israelis are seeking foreign passports !! They struggle with foreign "grandfather" clauses to get all sorts of European passports ! Maybe he should have accepted on the condition that he gets to keep it !! (Obviously, this is a different issue -- but at least contemplate and laugh a little at the irony here!)

i am glad that sarid received this reality check. he has lived in a vacuum in israel, thinking that the israeli right are so wrong and he is so much more evolved and western and european than the average israeli. well mr sarid, welcome to the real world. this is what the real world thinks of all jews, it makes no distinction between conservative and liberal jews, evolved jews and religious jews. it is only in israel, that the subtlest and perceived biggest of differences between jews is relevant, to the real world it is irrelevant how evolved a jew thinks he is, he is still a jew, and therefore UNWELCOME!!!

Indonesia "has become a haven for whacky terror groups who kill innocent foreigners. " This is straneg coming from a guy whoes country just butchered hundreds of lebanese women and children and continues to expell non-jews from their homes.

My friend, are you suggesting that there is an official Nazi party somewhere in the world? NO? Then your problem is merely hypothetical. In the real world, Yosi Sarid does not belong to a banned party or poltical group. His 'sin' is that he is jewish. He is a very honest and empathetic human. Indonesian was always racist and practised apartheid, but always denied it. Now it can no longer. I agree with you its no use blaming norway. They never saw it coming, because, frankly, what civilised western country would dream of doing that? I also agree with u that Indonesia is ass over tip when it comes to living with difference. It has taken time, but in the end, u cannot mask the smell of S*@* for ever....Indonesia is seen for what it is. And it stinks. PS Do u think Indonesia will come out of this having learnt ANTHING? No? How right u are. You put gay rights and press freedom and antisemitism all in the one basket? It's indonesia which is the basket case.

of which Indonesia is a paradise. What do you want? Any Australian the police there can stop is going to jail for life.( except if said Australian has $600.000 to pay in bribes) Any drug violation will send them to either jail or their deaths...yet a terrorist who will kill over 200 foreigners and 88 Australians will go to jail for 3 months...that is indonesia for you. Antisemitism for them is their plate of the day. Nobody in my family would ever visit Indonesia in no conditions whatsoever.... Cheers, An Australian

"international conference on freedom of expression and tolerance" where entrance for israelis bared. Why "democratic" Norway to choose indonesia??? There are a lot of countrys in the world, why they choose place where intolerance exist in hight level? I think it time to say shame for Norway. People of Norway should undestand, that they support apartheid.

Yossi, you are A Mentchn...

it is the most outrageous action.

Good on you Yossi. I call on all the invitees to refuse to attend unless Yossi Sarid is allowed to attend with his Israeli passport. It is outrageous that someone be denied access to a conference on freedom of expression and tolerance on the grounds of his nationality. It makes a joke of the whole event.

where dd all this norwegian hubris come from?

Norway has never confronted its shamefull Quisling past-there is an element in that country that supported the Nazis. If they do not boycott this conference now. I believe we can then assume some of this mentality remains their ruliing class and they can not be honest brokers in future negotiotions between israel and its neoghbours.

Think if UN-mediatior Terje rød larsen was asked to be Israeli to be able to work in the middle east. Would he and Norway accept that? Shame on ignorant NOrway.

sam you are quite wrong.sarid is the most honest man in the state of israel.he went to live in one of the northern border towns when they were under severe bombardment from katyushas.he made it his home to expres solidarity with the local population. he was again in the north recently living under katysuha fire.

how can one make the norwegians understand that their proposal is outrageous? are the thick?

Indonesia tolerant? They persecute the Chinese and Christian minorities; some are often killed. They also committed terrible atrocities to the people of Timor. Indonesia is an intolerant Muslim State that is also very antisemitic.

that causes you to behave like a middle east dictatorship?

i expected no less from him.but i will nominate him for next prime minister.

Norway this Quisling nation ranks as among the most anti Israeli nations in Europe. These hypocrites should cancel the congference and move it to a more civilised country where there are no tsanumis and no earthquakes.

Judith, Yossi Sarid's stance is not a surprise... Nor will such things change his mind.. You might consider that "lefties" who believe we must consider the human and national rights of all of our citizens and our neigbhbors...might be doint s cuz they thing it is Good..it is moral..it is right... Not because it is "worth it" or "pays".

Norwegian matters of principle are hardly of the highest order.A Scandinavian outpost which happens to have lots of oil and fish which is steadfastly anti Israel and none too friendly to Jews.Quisling was from Norway wasn,t he ?

Your comment displays ignorance of the activities of scores of countries whose behaviors are worse than Israel's and whose citizens are wined and dined at "enlighened" conferences such as this one. I imagine the VIP's from China (think Tibet), Russia (think Chechnya), Iran (think torture), the Sudan (think genocide)...just to name a few...are enjoying their foie gras as they bolster their self-delusions while denouncing the "immoral Israelis". They just don't have the same propaganda machine working against them and it is not considered "polite" to hate them.

"A country that fires rockets at the vehicle of news reporters can hardly be expected to be welcomed at a conference like this". Mr. Sarid is not a country...he's a man.

Shame to ban Israel. the only democratic country in the middle west Shame to ban Yossi Sarid very well known for his tolerance and his open mind Col a cavod to have rejected the Norway citizenship - A key to attend a conference on freedom and tolerance. Clod Shalom/salam/salut

"If Indonesia comes out of this conference with everything from tolerating gays, freedom of the press, and women`s rights and still all be antisemites, it was worth it". You call them deluded? Dream On.

I don't agree with Sarid's ideals, but he is a principled consistent man. Kol Hakavod.

political views are, at the end of the day you will always be seen as an "evil Jewish Zionist colonialist". Tough, but that's the way the world works. It is a waste of time being an Israeli leftist; you won't get special treatment for your efforts.

It is rediculous to organise freedom of expression and tolerance in that part of the world while they themselves are intolerant .It is completely paradox.

For once I like something that Yossi Sarid said/did. I have to give him credit when credit is due.

Firstly silverman I am happy that you remembered yor new monniker. Secondly, you were a little cryptic you said, "A country that fires rockets at the vehicle of news reporters can hardly be expected to be welcomed at a conference like this.' Alright let me get this straight. You are talking about? The Democartaic Repulblic of the Congo? Somalia? The Palestinians? (no they kidnap) Kosovo PAKISTAN? China? The United States Syria? Lebanon? Israel Canada? North Korea? (no they have no reporters) Please sir check off the list for me, thanks.

For such an impressing and creative action of peaceful mediation the Norwegians really deserve it!!!!

Sarid for President? If he goes on resisting calls to re-enter the political fray (and who can blame him?) that is one fantastic idea!

chilll. I believe that you should heed this advice as well. Something got you out of yor chill mode to wrtie your last posting. Please suspend your patronistic and ignorant view of the third world. This is not the first conference held in Jakarta. this is a huge country with a large population. They have a powerful economically successful Chinese community. Indonesia is loaded with raw materials, sure the weather sucks, but they have everything it takes to succeed. One problem, they are very third world in their customs and thinking. The Cock fight, major pastime there, is what they call a conference. They treat their women almost as bad as they do our flag. So do not expect anything on that front, or any other front. Nothing gets done at these conferences, especially when the foundations they are built upon are decaying and crumbling. No Israelis allowed to a conference on tolerance. Indonesians would be allowed to attend in Israel.

By hosting this international conference on freedom of expression, Indonesia projects the message that despite the barbaric terrorist attacks committed by its own nationals, not every Moslem is a terrorist. It therefore follows that not every Israeli supports violence as the exclusive remedy to Israel's problems, or indeed is anti-Moslem. Norway's offer shamefully sidestepped the issue instead of confronting it, compounding the problem instead of alleviating it. The conference will be a charade. Yossi Sarid this country has no leadership and you are a "former MK". Tragic.

Jenny's right - YOSSI FOR PRESIDENT!

It is tragically funny to watch the Norwegians attempting to act on the international scene. this insular, homogenous society has done a fine job of keeping a largely alchoholic population in step. Norway has done well since WWII, it has oil and creative minds. A fine country. It is sad to see how naive and duped they have become on the international scene. Norway works from it's heart, it's emotions, it is incapable of digesting some of the evils that exist in the world. They break the world down to a simple David and Goliath methodology and back David, even though David may be bloodthirsty, fanatical and with a huge army of support and arms behind him. They have screwed up with the Israelis and Pals and put together a peace plan in Sri Lanka so skewed and rediculous that it allowed the Tamils to continue the fight and put intense pressure on the Sri Lankans to give up. Sad indeed. It is time that someone told the Norwegians that "there is no Santa Claus"

A country that fires rockets at the vehicle of news reporters can hardly be expected to be welcomed at a conference like this.

The refusal of Indonesia to grant an entry visa to Yossie Sarid to attend a conference whose declared purpose is to address the issue of "bridging gaps between different religions, cultures and peoples" sounds like a contradiction in terms. One expects no better of a Muslim state like Indonesia, but it will be interesting to see if Norway, as co-sponsor of the conference, will take this lying down. My guess is that it will. It reminds one of the UN World Conference against Racism helds in Durban in 2001, which was hijacked by the anti-semites and turned into a platform for attacking Israel. As long as Jews are singled out, as they were at Entebbe, for special treatment, the world will sadly not have learned the lessons of the Holocaust.

The Norwegians have no principles, no pride, and no honor. If they had honor and self-respect, they would insist that the Indonesians admit Sarid or change the location of the conference. One cannot have a conference on freedom and grovel at the same time. The Norwegians are real bottom-feeders.

Norway's understanding of what is freedom of speech, and what is principle, is totally unaccpetable. The principled response would be to pull out of the conference and to boycott it.

After running 900 fake photographs, Reuters has forfeit its credibility in the Journalism department. If your reporters are not being held hostage by terrorists demanding good PR in exchange for not cutting off heads, your reporters are not doing their job.

I for one am very proud of Sarid. Here is a man with principles. An intelligent, eloquent person. Hold on - why doesn't he stand for president? SARID FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!

Anti-Semitic irony: a Jew is prevented from attending an inter-faith/tolerance conference. However, I am not surprised. Norway's idea to hold such a conference in Indonesia ? a Muslim country in which Islamofascism is on the rise and the hate for the West is widespread ? is perfectly inline with this country's general stance as a supporter of "palestinian" rights.

Excuse me,a conference like this in Indonesia? My sentiments exactly Jay Antonio. However, I hope, for Yossie's safety's sake, he is not going to that "tolerant" country at all. What a ridiculous choice of venue!

“International conference on freedom of expression and tolerance” to “bridging gaps between different religions, cultures and peoples.” but No Israelis are allowed... Right, anyone suggesting hypocrisy has hit the nail on the head. This conference is a joke and anyone who sets foot in their door has made a fool of himself.

Why am I not suprised by this hypocritical act by so called moderate islamic country and its acqeisent Europian so called fair country Norway. Cause I grew up in Egypt and I know them too well , I mean the moslems. Shame on those who discriminate and use aparthatic measures ,of course that is indonisia and blind Europian countries who tolerate this pure racist nonsense of course because of arab/moslem OIL and their Petro Dollar busninesses . Long live Israel only modern fair and democratic country in that region Regards Victor

Lets assume Indonesia is assbackwards in ways of tolerance and every step is a positive step. So an Israeli Jew is not allowed. Fine. No one said you can change Indonesia in one day. Lets take the little baby steps. So quit flacking Norway. I haven't heard anyone else excluded from the conference. Can you imagine Israel holding such a conference and some Nazis wanted to attend? Talk about being deluded about a perfect world. You're demanding the entire solution when the world is clearly not ready. Quit bombing Muslim countries and maybe they won't be up in angst. Oh wait, they bombed you guys first. Oh wait you guys... see? Imperfect world, want to wait for it to get perfect or just let the baby steps take place because they are the only things possible right now. If Indonesia comes out of this conference with everything from tolerating gays, freedom of the press, and women's rights and still all be antisemites, it was worth it.

It really is hard to believe; the Norwegian government offering Sarid citizenship so he can attend an international conference on freedom of expression and tolerance in Bali, Indonesia,his invitation being rescinded because he is Israeli. Poor Balinese, beautiful people sucked into the machinations of a corrupt Muslim Indonesia, and a cowardly Norway. This brings back recent memories of the contemptable Bali nightclub bombing, one more stop of the Islamofascist train.

After such an antisemitic conference, expect a major terror attack to take place - remember that "September 11th" was preceded by "September 4th" - the conference in Durban, South Africa out of which only the USA and Israel walked out...

Let me get this straight. Indonesia is hosting a "conference on freedom of expression and tolerance... whose stated goal is 'bridging gaps between different religions, cultures and peoples'" while telling Israelis that they are not allowed into the country? How on earth can they do this with a straight face? And how could anyone who respects the principles of "freedom of expression and tolerance" accept this racism and attend? I'm looking at you, Norway.

Maybe now he sees the right that the world is not one big Peace Camp but a ugly mess of Anti Semitism

Hmmmmmmmmm. Denying someone attendance at a conference on tolerance and bridging religious differences because he happens to be Israeli. It doesn't matter what that individual may stand for, what he's devoted his life to, what he has spoken publicly for or against...that is all irrelevant because he has committed the sin of being a citizen of the country people love to hate. Of course, the enlightened Norweigans (demonstrating how far they have evolved since Quisling) say, "no problem", we'll make you "one of us"...just like when the racist whites used to let the lighter skin blacks "pass". What a farce!

They(Norway) need to stand up for what this conference is about.....and I don't think it's abouut bias, boycott or business as usua;/ It os about primcipal. Sarid right decision.

With the way israel treats journalists, I can't see how you would or should expect people to respect your country. Israelis your government and its policies are dragging you into the mud. http://www.zmag.org/sustainers/content/2006-08/26trigona.cfm

Norway hopes to initiate dialogue between people of different cultures and religions;but Indonesia shows its true colours: it has as government policy anti-semitism and xenophobia. Noway should do the right, principled action, and refuse to take part.

This goes to show how sick Norway is. Given the theme of the conference, any principled country would retract its sponsorship.

Once again, Indonesia shows just how ugly its politics and religion are. The good people of indonesia have been hijacked by islamofascism (lovely ring, that term..) and to add insult to ijury,this is a confenrence in predominantly Hindu Bali. Poor people. Indonesia is very good at talking (remember they talked about supplying terrorists for s. lebanon!!??) how to kill others. They have a corrupt government with a twisted sense of justice which will continue to repress its people. The country has become a haven for whacky terror groups who kill innocent foreigners. Sarid's rejection at the conference is only to be expected from a country which bleieves it is a regional power broker. It is not. It is merely the region's most populous radical muslim state.

Everytime I read a pitiful story like this, in which so-called purveyors of enlightenment demonstrate their latent anti-Semitism, I wonder if the world will ever take note of and condemn these injustices and prejudices with the same passion that they criticize Israel's supposed 'criminal' acts And I also wonder whether incidents like these, particularly when they victimize ultra-left wing fanatics like Yossi Sarid, will ever open their eyes to the enormous amounts of anti-Semitism and illwill towards Israel that exists in the world. I wonder whether, in turn, they recognize why it's so vital for Israel to be physically strong, and whether they'll ever come to grips with the sobering realization that notions of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors is a far-fetched and premature pipedream. That not every act of injustice against Israel can be excused and justified by the 'occupation'. Sarid's refusal to particpate in this hypocritical conference is a good start.