Norwegian politico: Israeli hostility to Norway understandable

I feel sorry for you, Mohammad from Oslo, that you "had to sit through hours of movies and documentaries about the subject of Holocaust at school". Of course, it would be more pleasing for you to sit through anti-Semitic Arab "a la Streiher" propaganda. But sorry, Oslo is not Cairo or Damascus. What almost all Arabs and Moslems don't get is that Judea is the land of Jews, not the Arabs, and the word Arabs did not invent even their own name for the land. So, support of all anti-Semites and Arab oil thirsty imperialists in the world does not give you a free pass to steal Jewish inheritance. And when decent people all over the world watch videos about rocket attacks on Jewish children in Southern Israel and murder of Jews by Arab islamo-facists in Judea and Samaria, they get angry and insist that murderous Mohammadians must be removed from civilized world.

and we're all getting sick of it.

Hello, You claim that Norway is known as the most islamized country in Europe, that's a load of bs. OK technically it could be right since you don't specify where it is known as that. Perhaps you have some kind of anti-Norway sect somewhere. But barring that possibility I'm forced to assume that you're talking out of your a**. Norway does not have a reputation as an Islamic country, I can't think of any such European country, unless we count Turkey. You are just indoctrinated into believing that Israel can never be wrong. The notion that since European countries accept refugees from Muslim countries they are of course being taken over by said refugees, is deluded. Never mind that Norway's Muslims make up less than 5% of the total population, or that they are in a "weak" position since they have fled to a country where they do not speak the language, know the customs or hold any property. If there was one Muslim in a country that criticised Israel I bet you'd call them "Islamized".

Hey Matt, What you fail to see is that while Israel is protecting itself it is also doing a lot of other things, such as harming Palestinian civilians and stealing their land. When it comes to the settlers it is actually the other way around: the settlers start off with stealing the land and then the IDF is forced to protect them. Remember that many of those crazy and suicidal people you talk of see themselves as protectors or avengers of those civilians. Until Israel "eases up" they're not going to ease up either.

There are many problems with calling Norway and Norwegians as anti-semitics each time they do something that hasn't been approved by the Israeli government. * Norwegians that are somewhat objective on the matter, will think twice when they find israelis to be rude, unfriendly, wining and unable to see any one elses side but their own. * The more serious problem is the danger that the once so powerful word anti-semitism, has been drained of its original meaning! An anti-semitic is no longer a hater og the jews, but a critic towards Israel. Well, in that case one could argue that there are many israeli anti-semitics, right? Norway has always been and will always be Israel's friend. But sometimes, what defines a good friend is the ability to tell you when you are doing something wrong. That is what Norway is doing.

Hey Mo, What you fail to see is that Israel is protecting itself from your crazy and suicidal friends in Gaza and on the West Bank. When those groups adopt a peaceful attitude, Israel can ease up. But right now, it's impossible.

Politics of Norway: coincidence? Israel's friends actually have some principles and don't digest a mass of propaganda and outright lies.

Israelis may seem "over-sensitive" from the safety of Norway... but when you are dealing with nation of 13 million (the Jews) that just lost 6 million of its members to deliberate genocide 60 years ago,returned to its homeland after 2000 years by winning a war with 50/50 chances against many established states, survived 2 more admitted attempts at genocide by neighbors (67,73), lost people in their lives to thousands of terrorist attacks, thousands of missiles fired at them from neighboring territories, serve in army reserves every year until they are 40 - all this while people like you are talking as if they lived in Norway and were doing this as a camping trip, instead to stay alive - things might be a bit different. I suggest you stop thinking that everybody is from Norway.

Here is the problem with your use of language. If ten Palestinians (out of a zillion) throw a rocket at you, you attack the whole zillion. If you just attacked the ten you would be cleaner. Now, Palestinians do the same of course. So who should we judge? Paupers living in mud huts who want some basic life for their family? Or the well off citizens with a huge military? Your next argument is "legality"? "Terrorists are illegal, so we are allowed to kill anyone around them"? Or something like that? Just give them a fair peace, admit some mistakes, and the world moves on. The price of peace does not go down with time.

The Norwegians are one of the most beautiful, and also polite people. The Israelis are mostly less than that. It is the truth, and the only truth. It is tough to improve beauty, may be there is a possibility on the manners side. And there will be peace between Norway and Israel.

It is eerily fascinating to see so many of ones compratiots work themselves up so. They only do over Israel of course, about Syria and Egypt they do not much care. Note that FM Støre also will visit Jordan, Egypt and the UAE in order to discuss niceties such as renewable energy and the like - The criticism and the anger we Norwegians reserve for Israel alone. Let's follow the Norwegian media and see if they pick up on this rather glaringly obvious aspect of Mr.Støre's tour, shall we?

I absolutely agree with you that it is not correct to call anti-semite all people or countries that criticize Israel. But the point with my response was that you are trying to justify your point with an absurd example (i.e. Norway blockading Sweden!).

Norwegians aren't anti-semitic. There's a demonstration against the Crystal Night every year here. And we're taught about the Holocaust and had to sit through hours of movies and documentaries about the subject at school. What many Israelis don't get is that the sufferings of your parents and grandparents don't give you a free pass to do whatever you want. And when people here read and watch videos from Gaza and check-points in the West-Bank they get angry. So what do you have left? People from the right-wing and Christian loons that actually believes a God only a minority of the world believes in handed you a piece of fertile land in the middle of the desert. The rest of Norway's population that don't believe in a God that work in the real estate business are turning against the occupation of the West-Bank and inhumane blockade against Gaza.

No, and it was an example. But did Norway send rockets to Israel? No. Therefor my example stands. Israelis call us anti-Semites when most of the people of norway know little, or nothing, about the issue. The issue here for me, is that the word "anti-Semite", it's being thrown around at anyone disagreeing with Israeli operations/politics (any issue really). I know most of the facts, but I have not studied it. But I know enough to know that throwing around a word like "anti-Semite", is just a technique to accuse someone of being racist when all they are doing is not agreeing with you.

You say: "The number of Palestinians who were killed when they were forcibly herded into a house which was then shelled by the IDF was 61. Yet when Palestinians attack those who do this they are referred to as terrorists."-- Terrorism is when attacks target indiscriminately civilian populations like those 8000 rockets did. It is completely irresponsible and unfair to view such terrorist acts as acceptable just because the damage was not extensive. The intent and the potential for killings was clearly there. ANY COUNTRY in the place of Israel would have retaliated in a much worse manner than Israel did. And as to those bombed houses in Gaza, everyone knows they were used by Hamas terrorists at the time of the bombings. Israel sent thousand of leaflets to evacute these houses before bombing them. But Hamas FORCED (and that is documented) the residents to stay inside. Please see the facts as they are before making immoral comments.

THere you go again Chris trying to rationalize your unrationalized response with numbers. Numbers on both sides are irrelevant. THe fact of the matter firing rockets into civilian population with the intent or in many cases to maim and murder is terrorism. Sowing fear and uncertainty is terrorism. Even after Israel withdrew Gaza rockets and still rained down on Israel. Fact of the matter CHris its not just about territorial compromise. This is quite evident in the facts prior to 1967 terrorism was a thriving business by the PLO. WHat it boils down to is whether the Arabs will accept a jewish state in the middleast. Israel can simply hand over territory tomorrow and that can be guaranteed. But can the Arabs hold their end of the agreement that can not be guaranteed. Take a page from your former stupid and naive leader Neville Chamberlain. "peace in our time". I'm sure you know what happens next. Actions talk look at Sadat and King Hussein they showed it and got peace. SImple concept.

"The number of Palestinians who were killed when they were forcibly herded into a house which was then shelled by the IDF was 61. Yet when Palestinians attack those who do this they are referred to as terrorists."-- Terrorism is when attacks target indiscriminately civilian populations like those 8000 rockets did. It is completely irresponsible and unfair to view such terrorist acts as acceptable just because the damage was not extensive. The intent and the potential for killings was clearly there. ANY COUNTRY in the place of Israel would have retaliated in a much worse manner than Israel did. And as to those bombed houses in Gaza, everyone knows they were used by Hamas terrorists at the time of the bombings. Israel sent thousand of leaflets to evacute these houses before bombing them. But Hamas FORCED (and that is documented) the residents to stay inside. Please see the facts as they are before making immoral comments.

"What if Norway invaded Sweden, then blocked the country`s ability to get food, water, clothing, etc. And when someone said we were doing something wrong, we could just scream "ANTI-NORWEGIANISM"!"-- Your comparison is total nonesense. Has Sweden been sending rockets to murder indiscriminately Norway's civilian population? Has Sweeden in their constitution a statement calling for the annihilation of Israel and jews? Has Sweden ever place bombs in cafés and buses in Norway? Please see the facts as they are before you make senseless comparisons.

"#9 we do indeed remember Norway in WWII, enthusiastic helpers of the Germans in rounding up Jews for deportation. And who can forget Herr Quisling?" You must mean those enthusiastic partisans blowing up railway tracks and ambushing German forces? This is the first time I've heard anyone saying that the Norwegians supported the deportation of Jews, and I have a hard time believing it. Where are you getting that information, or did you just make it up? As for why you're bringing up Quisling I have no idea. The man took power in a coup, he did not represent Norway. I could just as easily say: who can forget Sir Oswald Mosley? Do you think that a fascist extremist from the 40s represents you just because you are of the same nationality as he was?

...My friend, it's time to read and learn about the world instead of repeating the same old positions...

#9 we do indeed remember Norway in WWII, enthusiastic helpers of the Germans in rounding up Jews for deportation. And who can forget Herr Quisling?

the Norwegian Avigdor Lieberman

Have you ever been out of the US? You certainly haven't been to Norway. "Norway another nothing nation who makes noises to quell her fear of any muslim in their nation. Norway, another tag end of communism via Russia. Neither are too bright or too free." 1. Norway is not afraid of muslims, in fact if you were to look closer to home I think you will find a far greater Islamophobia. Based on your posts here you seem to be one of those doing their part to make sure of that. 2. Norway is not a communist country, you should google communism so you can learn what it means. 3. Your BS about "bright and free" is such a daft statement that I'm not sure where to start. I guess you could compare student results, Norway beats US in quite a few studies. As for freedom; you really need to wake up from the 18th century, the US isn't "the land of the free" anymore. There are plenty of other nations with the same or more freedom. Norway beats you on Gay rights, abortion, economic freedom etc.

Norway is a member of NATO, and has been since 1949. NATO was used by your country as a butress against expansion by Russia westwards. NATO is currently in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban and hunting down Al Qaeda. This includes Norwegian Troops and many other nations from around the world. Israel is of course conspicuous by it's absence. You jealous because Norway sends the UK a Chrismas Tree every year?

British National Party. The only british party to issue a statement of full support to Israel during Cast Lead?

It was 8000 rockets which cost the lives of 12 Israelis. More Israelis are killed in road traffic accidents in a week than were killed by Qassams. The number of Palestinians who were killed when they were forcibly herded into a house which was then shelled by the IDF was 61. Yet when Palestinians attack those who do this they are referred to as terrorists.

Does critizising Israeli politics makes you an aniti-semit? It's really to hysterical! How touchy can you Israelis/Jews be? Yes, Norway has been doing it's best to contribute to the peace process, with various results. The Israelis and Palestinians themselves have not managed well at all, so any help from outside should be welcomed!

You know what? I'm going to make up a new word. And it's going to be "Anti-Norwegianism". You Israeli's always yell "Antisemitism" when someone says that your wrong, or doing something they don't approve of. But it's also quite racist. What if Norway invaded Sweden, then blocked the country's ability to get food, water, clothing, etc. And when someone said we were doing something wrong, we could just scream "ANTI-NORWEGIANISM"! Learn to think. Your culture is not the only culture. Your ways of thinking is not the only way of thinking. Norwegians mostly sympathize with the Palestinians because we know how it was during WW2. But if you think you're the only one who is right, I scream: ANTI-NORWEGIANISM!

"Norway, another tag end of communism via Russia." Ever heard of NATO? Norway has been a member since 1949. So has the US. It was an anti-Soviet alliance. Now, don't you feel silly?

Hans Olav Syversen's Christian democrat Party got 5.5% of the votes in the 2009 elections, which gives them 10 MPs.

When you have a problem with Norway. They are like, the least offensive nation ever. Non-polluting, liberal, friendly and generally non-confrontational.

Sir, It is possible.

Sir, There is a substantially sized industry for visiting Gaza by trucks, boats and noble steeds.

DW: "It`s time Israel started divesting itself from hostile entities like Norway. We understand that not all Norwegians hate Israel. Yet too many of them do. Don`t invite them to visit Israel. Don`t magnify their importance. Norway is a nobody." I first assumed you were being sarastic, in which case its a good piece. Then it occurred to me maybe you are serious. If so, (and I hope not)Do you really think Norwegians, who I think are close to the wealthiest people per person on the planet, give a rats' a*** whether Israel invests there or not. Go on, start a boycott.

who makes noises to quell her fear of any muslim in their nation. Norway, another tag end of communism via Russia. Neither are too bright or too free.

....then he probably can't be called a very neutral source either. Therefore his words should be taken with a healthy grain of salt....

Nice that someone says he likes Israel, but that doesn't mean that everyone dissatisfied with Israel's current behaviour is an antisemite. There are many Israeli Jews who are - to put it mildly - uncomfortable with the fences, the blockades, the fear-mongering we are subjected to on a regular basis, the atrocious way innocent civilians are penalized by acts, attempted acts or even imagined acts of a few and the determination of successive governments to avoid - or at least postpone at all costs - a peace process based on negotiation. Norway's divestment from Elbit was scrupulous in penalizing that firm for its specific contribution to the occupation of the West Bank. If our government continues to ride roughshod over all its erstwhile allies, other foreign countries may become less discriminating.

... being antisemites in a big way.

So, Norway goes on top of Britain, Sweden, Turkey as previously friends with Israel but no more. And Israeli people are ok with this trend? Wow!

the world is wrong and the zionists are right, right? israel should exist, but it's polciies towards the pals must disappear, the world is growing tired of your anti-semite and holocaust screams, we're all getting so sick and tired of it all, it just doesn't work anymore.

It's time Israel started divesting itself from hostile entities like Norway. We understand that not all Norwegians hate Israel. Yet too many of them do. Don't invite them to visit Israel. Don't magnify their importance. Norway is a nobody. The Oslo accords with the Palestinians are dead and frankly Israel does not need Norway, Sweden and a few other unsympathetic, and frankly Antisemitic countries.

and this guy is an idiot. Jonas Gahr Store is by far our country's most popular politician and norwegians by far sway towards the palestinian side. This is because of Israels policies.

Norsk Hydro is a big player in Iran. Norwegian oil companies are very active in Iran. Mors reasons to boycott their lousy Jarlsberg cheese and smoked salmon

one thing i have noticed is how all these delegates visit israel and the towns hit, but they are never taken to see the destruction of gaza, fair? i think not.

If the moderator will allow it, I would like to send an invitations to Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store and his delegation to visit Kibbutz Zikim during his stay in Israel. The Kibbutz suffered the rain of rockets and motors many times during the last eight years and none the-less remains firmly entrenched in the peace movement.

If the spokesman for the sixth largest party in the country backs you, you know you are getting serious backing.

This is nonsense. A small group of pious christians in the south-west supports Israel no matter what. In the population they represent 50%+ of Syversens Christian Democratic Party's voters. His party again got 5,5% in the elections last year. Most of the other 97% have more or less strong opinions against Israel's policy towards Palestinians. This honest fact is often obscured by the unfortunate anti-semitism rhetorics emanating from people like Lieberman.

written all over it

What's next, publishing Israel friendly statements from Denmark's seventh largest rabbit breeder organisation? Hey, our cleaning woman recently said something positive about Lieberman! Don't you want to cite her, too?

Needn't say more. Norway has been horribly partisan and unobjective. Where was its voice for the 10,000 rockets that were fired at Israel before Cast Lead and after it voluntarily evacuated from Gaza? Where was its voice when the rockets started up? Where is its sense of history and self reflection given that it has displaced the Sami people and robbed them of THEIR patrimony?