Policy Impact 2024–2025

In 2024–2025, Kos & Kaos – The Nordic Jewish Network played a central role in identifying and challenging structural barriers within Norway’s minority-policy framework.

After our application for operational funding under the national minority support scheme was rejected, we initiated both a national and international dialogue about the interpretation of the regulation governing state support to national minorities. The rejection cited the so-called “1950 criterion” — a clause stating that persons who settled in Norway after 1950, or their descendants, are not considered part of a national minority.

This provision has serious implications for the Jewish community in Norway. Many of those who arrived after 1950 were Holocaust survivors or their descendants who rebuilt their lives here. The exclusion of their families from minority rights raised fundamental questions of equality, justice, and historical responsibility.

Through a series of formal letters and policy briefs (5–8 May 2025) and a direct meeting with the Ministry of Local Government and District Affairs (KDD) on 13 May 2025, Kos & Kaos argued that the 1950 criterion lacks legal grounding in both Norwegian and international law. Citing the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and Article 27 of the ICCPR, we demonstrated that minority rights apply to all who identify with and belong to the group — regardless of ancestry, citizenship, or year of arrival.

In the meeting, Kos & Kaos also raised concerns about how the regulation fails to include the so-called “minus refugees”— Jewish refugees who returned or resettled in Norway after World War II but were never formally counted among post-war displaced persons, and whose descendants today risk exclusion from minority protections. We argued that this omission perpetuates a historical injustice and undermines the inclusive intent of Norway’s minority policy.

KDD acknowledged that the change from “recently” to “after 1950” in the regulation was not intended as a substantive amendment, and confirmed that a political review of the wording would be considered. The ministry also recognized that membership registration poses special challenges for the Jewish minority, given its size and sensitivity, and affirmed that Kos & Kaos fills an important gap for Jews who do not identify with existing religious congregations.

As a direct consequence of this sustained advocacy, the ministry launched a public consultation (høring) on 8 September 2025 proposing to amend the regulation on operational grants for organisations of national minorities. The proposed amendment explicitly clarifies that persons who came to Norway as a result of World War II — including Jewish refugees and their descendants — are to be regarded as belonging to the minority, thereby addressing one of the core issues raised by Kos & Kaos. 

Following our engagement, the case gained international attention. The Jerusalem Post (2 September 2025) published “Norway quietly redefines minority status, puts Jewish organizations at risk,” highlighting our work and the potential consequences of the 1950-clause. In October 2025, i24 News broadcast a feature interview with our deputy director, Ester Nafstad, discussing how Kos & Kaos works to secure equal rights and representation for all Jews in Norway — regardless of religious affiliation or migration history.

Through this process, Kos & Kaos has helped bring national attention to a long-overlooked legal and historical issue, ensuring that Jewish life and diversity are part of the broader conversation on minority rights in Norway. Our advocacy demonstrates how cultural and civic initiatives can influence policy, foster dialogue between government and civil society, and strengthen the democratic inclusion of national minorities.