Elvebakken Upper Secondary School

The Jury’s statement:

The project investigates antisemitism, a topic that is widely discussed in research, in the media, and in public debate in general. The pupils examine how antisemitism was expressed in Norwegian newspapers in the years preceding the German occupation, and point to their own generation’s lack of knowledge of the role the media have played historically in the spread of antisemitic attitudes. This issue is particularly topical in our times, when xenophobic utterances pose a substantial problem. 

The pupils make active use of current research, and the report gives a clear account of the method employed and cogent explanations of the choices made in the course of the project. The pupils demonstrate an excellent grasp of relevant concepts, for example in a thorough discussion of the distinction between antisemitism and anti-Judaism in their sources. The range of sources consulted is impressive, and the use of empirical data analyzed in the light of existing research is a great strength of the project and makes the report very engaging to read. 

The jury emphasizes that the pupils have succeeded in demonstrating how antisemitic utterances created a distorted picture in the press, where Jews were accused of committing the actions they were in fact subjected to by the Nazis. The jury congratulates the pupils with a well-conducted, impressive, and engaging research project.