Jewish pupil firebranded in Norway

A school boy firebranded a Jewish pupil at an Oslo secondary school on Monday, triggering the Simon Wiesenthal Center to issue a strongly-worded letter to Norwegian Minister of Justice, Grete Faremo.
According to the letter, "this child has been the subject of antisemitic bullying and violence for the past two years, reportedly, because his father is Israeli." In addition, the letter noted that "despite the mother\’s report of assaults on her son to NRK radio evening news in 2010, there has been no reaction by the school, the police or governmental authorities."
Dr. Shimon Samuels, head of the Wiesenthal’s division of international affairs. noted that "the boy has stated that he must stay clear of Norwegian and Muslim children and hide his parentage to avoid continued anti-Semitic attacks.“ Samuel added that "these young school hatemongers point to a new generation of Breivik-style racists for Norway\’s future. You have a responsibility to protect every threatened child and, especially, this victim targeted simply for being Jewish."
The online website "Norway, Israel and the Jews“ first reported on the attack. The website monitors Norwegian anti-Semitism and hate directed at Israel. The article’s headline noted "Anti-Semitism in Norwegian Schools – now they are fire branding Jewish kids.” According to “Norway, Israel and the Jews,” the website Med Israel for Fred (MIFF) has gained access to a private cell phone image showing the result of the attack which took place at a school barbecue for the senior class, this Monday (June 11, 2012). The 16-year-old boy was enjoying his grilled chicken when a red-hot coin was placed on his neck by a fellow student, an ethnic Norwegian. The coin made a very visible burn on the boys neck.
According to European reports, Norway’s school system has permitted an increasingly hostile climate for Jewish pupils. The Austrian paper Die Presse wrote in 2010 that "statements sharply critical of Israel" by Kristin Halvorsen, education minister of the Norwegian Socialist Left Party, have been "legitimizing attacks" against Jews. Jewish students have been subject to assaults in Norway\’s schools, and teachers have simply looked the other way.
Signe Hjelde, first secretary in Norway’s embassy in Tel Aviv, told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday via telephone that Norway’s Foreign Ministry will look into the matter and issue a response to the Post. Vebjørn Dysvik, a Norwegian diplomat , wrote the Post on Wednesday: "With reference to your conversation with Ms Hjelde, your request will be forwarded to the press service of the Ministry."
The Wiesenthal Centre stressed that "the silence of the school, the police and your government is too reminiscent of another Norway, under the WWII Nazi collaborator, Quisling."
"Our Centre urges your immediate investigation of this case and protective and judicial action, as continued silence is tantamount to complicity" Samuels said.