Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema announced in a meeting with pro-Israel groups in the Netherlands who asked to hold a rally against antisemitism in the country scheduled for Thursday that it could not take place in Dam Square since the city couldn’t “guarantee the safety of attendees at that location.”
Frank van Oordt, director of Christians for Israel in the Netherlands, said the raly must take place. “We believe it is crucial for the rally to proceed, even if at a different location. We considered legal action but determined there wasn’t enough time to pursue it effectively," he said.
“Because the city council delayed the decision until the last moment, organizing the rally on Dam Square became impossible. We urge everyone to attend and make a strong statement that we, as Dutch citizens, stand with our Jewish community,” he added.
The mayor said the rally could be allowed to happen elsewhere in the city and cited the busy shopping night before Sinterklaas - commemorating the birth of Santa Claus – and the fact that the event would occur at night in a crowded area as further reasons the protest could not take place in Dam Square.
Safety concerns prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrations
Halsema has faced criticism for her handling of antisemitic incidents in the past. Just a few weeks ago, following the lynching of Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club fans in the country, she was accused of ignoring the severity of the situation, further raising concerns within the Jewish community.
Christians for Israel expressed profound disappointment with the decision made by Amsterdam’s triangle, comprising the mayor, the city’s police chief and the public prosecutor.
Footage of Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam
“It is extremely unfortunate that the Amsterdam triangle reached this decision, especially since pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to take place at Dam Square, the site where the annual commemoration of Jewish victims of the Holocaust occurs,” Van Oordt said. “Moving the rally feels like a slap in the face to the Jewish community. We are being told we cannot unite at the National Monument to stand against hatred and intimidation.”
The reason for the rally
Over the past year, the Jewish community in the Netherlands has increasingly faced antisemitic incidents. This alarming trend was highlighted during the “Jew Hunt” in Amsterdam on the night of November 7-8. Antisemitic attacks have become disturbingly common, raising the question of whether Jews can still feel safe in the country.
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The words 'FREE GAZA' spray-painted in front of the Israel Centre in Nijkerk, The Netherlands
(Photo: Christians for Israel Netherlands)
“It is beyond belief that such hateful actions are occurring in the Netherlands in 2024. No one should excuse, downplay or justify such heinous events,” Van Oordt added.
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The rally serves as a reminder that the Jewish community in the Netherlands isn’t alone, according to its organizers.
“We refuse to give up,” Van Oordt stressed. “Together, we stand for a society where Jews can feel safe and respected. We call on everyone to attend and join us in spreading this message of solidarity. Let your voice be heard too.”