Jo Benkow (born Josef Elias Benkowitz; 15 August 1924 – 18 May 2013) was a prominent Norwegian politician and author known for his long service in public life and his work on behalf of human rights and Jewish causes. He was born in Trondheim, Norway, and grew up in Bærum. Over several decades Benkow became one of the best-known figures of the Conservative Party and an influential voice in national debate.

Early life and wartime experience

Benkow was born into a Jewish family in interwar Norway. He reached adulthood during the German occupation of Norway in World War II and later reflected on how those years and the fate of European Jews shaped his outlook. He frequently spoke and wrote about identity, memory and the responsibilities of democracies to oppose intolerance.

Political career

Beknow rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party to national prominence. He served in the Norwegian Parliament and held several senior roles; his best-known office was President of the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament), a post he occupied from 1985 until 1993. In that position he acted as the formal head of the assembly, represented the legislature domestically and abroad, and sought to strengthen parliamentary debate and procedure.

Writing and public advocacy

Alongside his political work Benkow was an active writer. He published memoirs, essays and speeches that combined personal recollection with reflections on politics, democracy and the experience of Jews in Norway. His writing and speeches made him a prominent advocate for Holocaust remembrance, interfaith dialogue and the defense of minority rights.

Personal life and legacy

Jo Benkow was married twice; his second wife, Annelise Høegh, was also a Conservative politician. He was the uncle of Bjørn Benkow. Benkow died of natural causes in Oslo on 18 May 2013 at the age of 88. Today he is remembered as an elder statesman who combined parliamentary leadership with a public commitment to human rights and historical memory.

Notable roles and themes

  • Presidency of the Storting: 1985–1993, representing the parliament at home and abroad.
  • Conservative Party leadership: long-time senior figure and parliamentary representative.
  • Author and commentator: memoirs and essays on politics, identity and remembrance.
  • Advocacy: outspoken on anti-Semitism, Holocaust memory and minority rights.