Dutch Jews fear for their future, prime minister in unusual message: "Do not give in"

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof delivered an unusual speech at the Kristallnacht ceremony, calling on Jews not to leave and admitting that anti-Semitism has returned. The chairman of the umbrella organization of Dutch Jews warned against the departure of young families against the backdrop of a massive protest against Israel.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof delivered an unusual speech at the Kristallnacht memorial ceremony at the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, calling on Dutch Jews not to leave the country. Schoof admitted that anti-Semitism has never disappeared and mentioned the October 7, 2023 massacre as proof that violence against Jews is not a thing of the past. He also acknowledged the historical responsibility of the Netherlands, which closed its doors to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Justice, and the Mayor of Amsterdam. The chairman of the umbrella organization of Dutch Jews (CJO), Chanan Herzberger, delivered a sharp speech in which he thanked the prime minister for his presence against the backdrop of a massive protest by the "Red Line" movement (Rode Lijn) in Amsterdam, in which at least 200,000 people participated, demanding a full arms embargo on Israel. Herzberger warned against making Dutch Jews collectively responsible for Israel's actions and against the departure of young families from the country.