Jewish residents of Norway increasingly fear seeking medical care due to growing anti-Israel sentiment among healthcare workers, Yisrael Hayom reported. Norway, which rewarded the Palestinians for the October 7 massacre by recognizing a Palestinian state, has one of the most anti-Israel governments in the world. In a letter to health authorities, Jewish leaders in Norway warn that in a situation not seen since World War II, Jews are hiding their identities in medical settings. “Shortly after October 7, 2023, alongside growing anti-Israel mobilization among segments of healthcare workers, health institutions, and medical experts, several members of the Jewish community expressed concern that they would feel uncomfortable seeking medical treatment and fear they wouldn’t receive optimal care if they revealed they were Jewish,” the letter states. “This is a situation we haven’t experienced since World War II.” Dr. Rolf Kirschner, a Jewish physician with 45 years of experience in Norway’s public health system and a member of the Norwegian Medical Association, stated in the letter: “People don’t dare wear Jewish symbols like the Star of David when going for examinations, and Jewish patients fear having their names called aloud in waiting rooms out of concern that caregivers or others will discover they are Jewish.” “Some Jewish patients were alarmed when they encountered healthcare professionals displaying overtly political posters and pamphlets expressing support for Palestinians, and they’re afraid to complain about this for fear of negative reactions from medical staff on whom their health depends,” Kirschner added. “The letter calls on health services, relevant organizations, and the government to ensure Jews feel comfortable in hospitals and don’t fear approaching and receiving medical care, or hide their identity in hospitals.” “The unions should inform their members that healthcare professionals need to remain neutral in the workplace and not display political symbols. They should make it clear that union members are prohibited from participating in political demonstrations at the workplace.” On Alpeleg, an Israeli-Norwegian who has lived in Norway for over 30 years, warned that the current problems reflect deep-seated issues. “The Norwegian health system has a problematic past and present which is undoubtedly tainted by political influence,” he said. “Norway assisted the Nazis in deporting Jews to extermination camps, and today it is the only Western country that refuses to recognize the murderous organization Hamas as a terrorist organization. As a Jewish resident of Norway, I feel deep concern about the influence of politics on the ethics and professionalism of the healthcare system.” The Jewish population in Norway is tiny, with only 1,500 registered Jews nationwide, with 800 residing in Oslo. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)