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Anti-Israel protesters disrupted an Israeli Independence Day celebration in Oslo on Sunday, shouting "child killers" through loudspeakers and waving banners with slogans such as "Death to the IDF" and "Zionists are terrorists," according to video footage shared with the Jerusalem Post. The event, organized by the Joint Committee for Israel and held outside the Norwegian parliament, drew several hundred pro-Israel celebrants, including Iranian dissidents. The incident has prompted a Norwegian lawmaker to question police handling of the protest and has heightened concerns about antisemitism in the country.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the event comes exclusively from the Jerusalem Post, which published two articles on consecutive days. Both accounts consistently describe the nature of the protest, including the chants and banners, and note that the targets included both Israeli supporters and Iranian dissidents. The first article, published on April 28, focuses on the disruption itself and quotes Israeli charge d'affaires Eytan Halon and Norwegian Jewish podcaster Henrick Beckheim. The second, from April 29, centers on the reaction of Norwegian MP Joel Ystebø, who was present at the celebration and has since written to the Justice Minister. While the two pieces share the same factual basis, the second adopts a more analytical tone, emphasizing broader concerns about antisemitism and perceived double standards in policing.

Key Claims

  • Anti-Israel protesters yelled "child killers" at participants during the Israeli Independence Day celebration in Oslo, as reported by two Jerusalem Post articles citing video footage.
  • Protesters displayed banners reading "Death to the IDF" and "Zionists are terrorists," and also shouted "intifada revolution" and "No Zionists in our streets," according to the same sources.
  • The chanting was also directed at Iranian dissident attendees, with shouts of "No one will protect you, f Iranians!" per video evidence and eyewitness accounts.
  • The event was arranged by the Joint Committee for Israel and took place outside the Storting (Norwegian parliament), as stated in one article.
  • Two speeches by exiled Iranians, who spoke warmly of the friendship between Iranians and the Jewish people, were part of the celebration, according to the same article.
  • Norwegian MP Joel Ystebø wrote to the Justice Minister to question police handling of the protest and to call for intervention against threats and hateful speech, as reported in both articles.
  • Ystebø expressed concern about rising antisemitism in Norway and an unbalanced administrative approach toward Israel, as quoted in the second article.

Perspectives

Norwegian MP Joel Ystebø (Christian Democratic Party)

Ystebø, who attended the celebration, described his concern for the situation of Jews in Norway, particularly in Oslo. He noted a "higher acceptance for antisemitic behavior and rhetoric" and criticized what he perceives as different standards applied to pro-Israel versus pro-Palestine protests. In his public question to the Justice Minister, he emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected, Norwegian law sets limits on speech involving threats, harassment, or glorification of violence.

Norwegian Jewish Podcaster Henrick Beckheim

Beckheim filmed the protest and told the Jerusalem Post that a guard instructed him to stop filming because "it might provoke them." He expressed disbelief at the lack of reaction from police, Norwegian society, and media, stating that protesters were allowed to use megaphones so loudly that they nearly drowned out the speeches. He described the scene as "insane" and questioned why such behavior was permitted.

Israeli Charge d'Affaires Eytan Halon

Halon, Israel's top diplomat in Norway, characterized the incident on X/Twitter as an example of "shameless and terrifying Jew-hatred" directed at the celebration. His remarks, quoted in the first article, reflect the official Israeli view of the protest as a manifestation of antisemitism.

Context and Aftermath

Norwegian MP Ystebø has not only written to the Justice Minister but has also, according to his interview with the Jerusalem Post, challenged the Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas. The incident has placed a spotlight on the challenges of balancing free speech protections with the need to address hateful conduct in public spaces. As of the latest reporting, no official response from the Norwegian government or police has been cited.