It is not in the Jewish community’s interest for the Israeli government to get involved after Norway’s Progress Party voted last week in favour of a ban on circumcision of boys under the age of 16, Oslo Chief Rabbi Joav Melchior said on Wednesday.
“Having had extensive conversations with the Progress Party and the government here in Norway, we are working with all involved to resolve this potentially worrying situation,” he said in a statement to The Jerusalem Post.
“As it stands, the idea of a ban was mooted at the Progress Party’s Conference, and we hope it will never progress into a fully fledged policy,” said Melchior, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis, with which he said the community is working closely on the issue.
“While we must not be complacent, we do not feel that there is a risk of legislation at this time,” he added.
“It was only two years ago that all political parties vowed to protect brit mila, and we urge the Progress Party not to court popularity with discriminatory policy.”
The Progress Party is a junior partner in Norway’s governing coalition.
