OSLO – Norway’s state broadcaster NRK is facing widespread criticism after an episode of the satirical television program Nytt på nytt featured jokes about Jews that many observers characterized as antisemitic and violent, including a line that alluded to bombing Jews. Clips from the episode were shared widely on social media by activists and commentators.
The controversy intensified after the Israeli embassy in Norway and multiple Jewish and pro-Israel organizations publicly condemned the broadcast. Critics said it was unacceptable for publicly funded television to air humor that normalizes or trivializes violence against Jews, especially on a program with an age recommendation of nine years and older. NRK later issued an apology for the remarks but did not immediately remove the segments, according to reporting.
Social media posts circulating the footage were posted by activists who monitor antisemitism in Nordic media and included multiple short clips they say demonstrate a pattern of tasteless and harmful jokes. One prominent account that shared the clips described the material as “cynical antisemitic jokes” and pointed to the NRK age advisory as especially troubling given the potential exposure of elementary-school–age children.
BREAKING
— On Elpeleg 🎗️ (@onelpeleg) October 25, 2025
Norway: State-owned TV makes jokes about killing Jews for elementary school children.
The broadcaster @NRKno continues to air tasteless jokes about Jews. Last night, they even hinted at bombing Jews.
⚠️ The program is rated for ages 9+ (4th grade).
FYA @StateSEAS https://t.co/a62Fmww7cP pic.twitter.com/Vx2rOPegLU
Norway 2025 – not 1945
— On Elpeleg 🎗️ (@onelpeleg) October 17, 2025
Nazi jokes again on state-owned broadcaster @NRKno
Source: https://t.co/gR7Fyt2era
Via: @StoppNRK pic.twitter.com/hJDCIWQlTe
As requested, here is the evidence:
— On Elpeleg 🎗️ (@onelpeleg) October 25, 2025
1. The word “bombing” is mentioned three times immediately before the “joke” is delivered.
2. The program carries a 9-year age recommendation above and below the video. pic.twitter.com/HDXeTebtd0
Observers and advocacy groups said the episode fits into a worrying broader pattern of incidents involving NRK that have raised alarm among Jewish communities in Norway and abroad. Past controversies over antisemitic content on NRK have prompted complaints and public debate, and critics argue that the state broadcaster must do more to prevent the normalization of antisemitic tropes in mainstream entertainment.
NRK responded to the backlash by acknowledging public concern and apologizing for the offense caused. The broadcaster’s apology, as reported, stopped short of removing the contested segments immediately from its platform, which further frustrated critics who said decisive action was required. Several Jewish organizations and pro-Israel activists called for a formal review of editorial policies and for measures to ensure such content is not promoted to young audiences.
The controversy has also drawn attention from international groups focused on antisemitism. The Combat Antisemitism Movement and other watchdog organizations documented the episode and amplified calls for accountability, arguing that public broadcasters carry a higher responsibility to prevent hate speech and protect vulnerable minorities.
Supporters of free speech caution that satire can be provocative by design and that context matters when assessing intent and harm. Still, critics maintain that joking about the killing or smuggling of Jews crosses a clear line and risks contributing to a climate in which antisemitic attitudes and bullying, especially of Jewish children in schools, are normalized. Several commentators called on Norwegian political leaders, regulators, and NRK’s board to investigate and to clarify the broadcaster’s standards for programming aimed at younger viewers.
As debates continue in Norway and among international Jewish communities, activists and Jewish organizations say they will press for changes to prevent future incidents. For now, the episode has reignited a conversation about public broadcasting responsibilities, the limits of satire, and the protection of minority communities from hateful rhetoric.
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This article is based on verified information from reports and documentation published by the Jerusalem Post, Ynet, Combat Antisemitism Movement, The Christian Post, and social media posts shared publicly by activists monitoring the incident.