Gaarder, part 1

There is both little and an endless amount to say about Jostein Gaarder's op-ed piece in Aftenposten yesterday (translated by me, here). But it boils down to this: it promotes antisemitism of the type that was universal in Europe until the 19th century (when "race theories" became the pretext). The fact that Aftenposten even printed it speaks volumes about the toxic atmosphere in Norway. That other prominent Norwegians support it, whether tacitly or explicitly, says just how socially acceptable antisemitism is in Norway. Whether or not the bigots know or care to admit that they're being antisemitic.

There are about 1500 Jews in Norway today. I'd have to say that the future for them is becoming increasingly uncertain. Not because pogroms are going to break out, or the government is likely to pass discriminatory legislation. But because popular opinion makes it increasingly difficult for Norwegian Jews to openly identify themselves as Jews. Jewish community leaders now advise their members to not wear a kippah in public, Israelis and other Hebrew speakers are advised not to speak Hebrew so others can hear it. The synagogue in Oslo is probably one of the most intensely protected buildings in Norway.

Gaarder's op-ed is a new line in the sand. If the Norwegian cultural and political elite allow it to stand, they are complicit in condoning the reintroduction of antisemitism in Norwegian life. A trend that is already well underway, thanks to rampant new antisemitism.

It is hard to see how this trend can be reversed - the press has for so long poisoned Norwegian popular opinion that antipathy to Israel is accepted as conventional wisdom. As the press (everywhere) generally tends to change the subject rather than admit they're wrong, don't expect any backtracking there.

In short, it's going to take a disaster of monumental proportions, and then decades of lingering introspection, before someone says "hey, we contributed to this."

It seems to me that what probably will happen is that Jews leave Norway for Israel, as they've already started to do. In 10-20 years, Norway (and many other European countries) will wonder why there are no Jews left there.

Comments

[Knut]

I see that Jostein Gaarder's article has created a great deal of discussions which probably is no big surprise after reading the article.
What I find extremely offensive in the discussion is that labels are put in norwegians as antisemitic. Labelling an entire society like that is very wrong and like I said very offensive. That would be the same thing if I were to label all americans like the nazi militias in certain states.
I don't agree with Gaarder at all in the article, because he fails to distinguish between the people of Israel and jews in general and the politics of the state of Israel.

PS; Gaarder announced yesterday that he is "leaving" the public arena and the discussions which came after the publication of the article.

[Micha]

Gaarder's article is a textbook case of how and when criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism.

There will be no riots, no embassy burnings, no flag burnings, no death threats, no explosive letters, no boycotting of Norwegian products, no death sentences will be issues by clerics, just sadnes, that apparently the wells of Norway are still poisoned by antisemtism.

The copy of Sophie's world will remain on my shelf, although I doubt I will ever be able to open it again. Jostein Gaarder has now added to his other literary acheivements the honor of being the author of a new page in the old book of antisemtism. If this addition is a Norweigan addition, it is up to the people of Norway to decide. If it is, than I advice every Jew in Norway to leave. Jostein Gaarder wishes to see Jewish refugees again wandering the earth, let the first ones be those leaving his country, if indeed he is the voice of that country.

[Norge]

Good idea. Please leave.

[Censorship]

"Gaarder's article is a textbook case of how and when criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism."

Actually I think this whole thing shows that Israel is regarded as un-questionable by a lot of Jews.
Immediate "he's an anti-semite" is yelled out to shut down any debate on the topic.

If anyone was "extremely angered" it was only because it was pointing out commentary on the situation that was uncomfortable because it rang true.

Anyhow, I'm sick of having posts deleted by the censoring owner of this blog. He obviously doesn't want anything other than "yes, you are correct 100%".. As you delete this: could you post an entry explaining why you deemed certain posts to be worth of deleting, yet the pro-Israel-unquestioning ones remain?

[Kal]

It is really shame that everytime someone brings a subject that is vital and makes comments that are valid is attacked. all of you are calling this guy antisemetic and it seems that everytime someone gets it right and exposes the truth is labeled antisemetic in order to shut him/her up. this is magic word is being abused in order to justify and hide the crimes of the terrorsit state of Israel (oops sorry I said Isarel is a state of terror) so now I must be antisemetic in your eyes.

[ronald rosen]

if gaarder wants to find fault with Israel the country it is acceptable. But when he attacks the Jews and their religion it is antisemitism. Why does he single out that Israel should not exist because he is not happy with its policies. Does he think all other countries that have policies that he doesn't approve of should also cease to exist.It's only because of Western Europe policies toward Jews that Israel exists today.He certainly doesn't have a clue to what the "chosen people" means. I'm afraid he is using his position as a prominent writer to express old fashioned antisemitism.It's a shame. I thought Norway was different

[ronald rosen]

if gaarder wants to find fault with Israel the country it is acceptable. But when he attacks the Jews and their religion it is antisemitism. Why does he single out that Israel should not exist because he is not happy with its policies. Does he think all other countries that have policies that he doesn't approve of should also cease to exist.It's only because of Western Europe policies toward Jews that Israel exists today.He certainly doesn't have a clue to what the "chosen people" means. I'm afraid he is using his position as a prominent writer to express old fashioned antisemitism.It's a shame. I thought Norway was different

[ronald rosen]

if gaarder wants to find fault with Israel the country it is acceptable. But when he attacks the Jews and their religion it is antisemitism. Why does he single out that Israel should not exist because he is not happy with its policies. Does he think all other countries that have policies that he doesn't approve of should also cease to exist.It's only because of Western Europe policies toward Jews that Israel exists today.He certainly doesn't have a clue to what the "chosen people" means. I'm afraid he is using his position as a prominent writer to express old fashioned antisemitism.It's a shame. I thought Norway was different

[Sweetie Candy Land]

Why are his comments antisemitic ?
I think he cares more about the existence of the state of israel than Pat Robertson an Evangelical who believes all jews who converts to Christianity will be saved by the second coming of jesus !! Robertson and his ilk believe that blood will rise to the knees and only the true believers will be saved, why do you support the latter

Jews, throughout history and until the creation of Israel in 1948 enjoyed a peaceful life with their semites Arabs.

Ending the illegal occupation, will make Israel not only safer but legitimate in the eyes of many.

[Madcoil]

In 10-20 years, Norway (and many other European countries) will wonder why there are no Jews left there.

Actually, I don't think we'll care. I can tell you that I certainly won't.