Yad Vashem nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian MP

“In a time when antisemitism is once again gaining a foothold in public discourse, Yad Vashem reminds us of what is at stake if hatred and lies are allowed to pervade,” wrote Ystebø.

“The Nobel Peace Prize has historically honoured those who stand against hatred, oppression, and injustice… Yad Vashem does precisely this.”

He added that awarding the museum the prize would “be a clear recognition that the struggle against antisemitism is a struggle for peace, democracy, and human dignity”.

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel (Credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)Getty Images

Ystebø, who was elected to the Storting – the supreme legislature of Norway – in 2025, is the son of Bjarte Ystebø, a journalist and active member of the Christian Democratic Party. Bjarte is a strong supporter of Israel and was in the country at the time of the October 7 attacks.

Oslo has, under Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, taken several publicly hostile stances towards Israel, including strong criticism of its conduct in the Gaza War, which he described as “barbaric”.

Norway was one of the first Western countries to vote for a ceasefire at the UN following the outbreak of war, and in May 2024 Norway formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state.

Israel also rejected a request by Støre to visit the country last year.

An Israeli government source told Ynet: “There’s no reason to approve a visit by Norway’s prime minister in light of Norway’s conduct since October 7.

"Still, in the long run, they’ll have a role [in] ‘the day after’ – not because we want them to, but because the Americans won’t ask us, and they’ll want Norwegian funding.”