What is Genocide?” – A Two-City Debate Series on Law, Language, and the War in Gaza

In a time when accusations fly faster than facts, and public discourse is marked by polarization and oversimplification, Kos & Kaos –The Nordic Jewish Network – hosted two rare and courageous public debates under the title “What is Genocide?”

Held in Copenhagen and Oslo, these events brought together voices from across the political and ideological spectrum—legal experts, politicians, activists, and scholars—for a calm but robust exchange on one of the most difficult and emotionally charged questions of our time: Is it legally or morally accurate to label Israel’s war against Hamas as genocide?

In Copenhagen, the panel was moderated by journalist Martin Krasnik, and featured Natasha Hausdorff (international law expert, UK), Annette Stubkjær (Amnesty International Denmark), Christian Vigilius (Konservative Folkeparti), and Trine Pertou Mach (Enhedslisten).

In Oslo, the debate was led by Hanne Skartveit and included Natasha Hausdorff, Cecilie Hellestveit, Ervin Kohn, Dag Tuastad, and a speaker from Amnesty International Norge.

That we managed to host two debates with such diverse and openly opposing perspectives—especially in a media and social climate that often punishes nuance—was in itself a major achievement. These kinds of conversations are increasingly rare, not because the topics aren’t relevant, but because the space for honest disagreement is shrinking.

Our goal was not to deliver easy answers, but to ask hard questions. What does international law actually say? What responsibility do we have when using powerful terms like “genocide”? And how can we protect space for disagreement without falling into dogma?

At Kos & Kaos, we don’t claim neutrality on the right of Israel to defend itself—but we also believe deeply in democracy, dialogue, and the value of understanding those we disagree with. Everyone who took the stage in these panels deserves credit for their courage. In today’s climate, it’s much easier to stay silent. But silence cannot be the answer—not when truth is under pressure and democratic conversation is at risk.

We hope these events inspire others to do the same: to talk, to listen, to question, and to keep the public sphere open.

🎥 Watch the Oslo debate recording here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/MzPHNdm8f4Y