"A circumcision ban won’t happen on my watch,’’, a Norwagian senior minister told a Jewish delegation on Monday.

The delegation, led by European Jewish Association (EJA) Director Rabbi Menachem Margolin, whose organisation represents hundreds of communities and thousands of Jews across the continent, and Dutch Chief Rabbi Binyomen Jacobs, met Norwegin Finance Minister Siv Jensen in Oslo.

The minister is also leader of the Progress Party whih recently passed a resolution that sought to ban circumcision in without consent on the part of the child, a matter that would directly affect the Jewish community in Norway if implemented.

‘’Such a ban is not on the government agenda , not on my party's agenda and not on my personal agenda. We always protect our Jewish community with whom we have an excellent relationship," the minister said during the meeting.

She was unambiguous in her support for the Jewish community of Norway and reiterated her firm commitment to defending Jewish rights. "Of course I understand why Jews across Europe were concerned But I want to reassure that it is not on the government agenda, not on my party's agenda and is not on my personal agenda. I want to make it clear: on my shift this will not be followed up. Here in Norway we respect freedom of religion. We oppose anti-Semitism, we do not tolerate it and we will fight it."

Rabbi Jacobs welcomed the minister’s statements. "It is not often I say this but I'm delighted that this meeting and our concerns were a waste of time. The Minister was clear and as far as I am concerned I trust her and her commitment. It seems this issue was a storm in a teacup blown up by the media. From talking to Mrs Jensen it is obvious she understands us and the concerns that Jews across Europe have and has an excellent relationship with the local community"

Rabbi Margolin added: "I welcome Mrs Jensen’s warm words and her strong stance on this issue. It was imperative that we secure this commitment as without it, other parties across Europe, who don't take such a positive position on Judaism and our practices, would be emboldened to act on circumcision, just as they have sought to act on ritual slaughter.’’

‘’Norway remains a safe haven for Jews and we must be vigilant to make sure that it remains so. This was our clear message to the Minister."

Around 1,500 JewS live in the country.