Israelis' favorite country is changing its face: "Jews are going back into hiding"

Dutch Jews describe a grim reality after October 7: discrimination in housing and employment, a rise in antisemitism at protests, tightening security around Jewish institutions, and a sense that safe space is being lost. The article brings testimonies about hatred of Israel, new and subtle antisemitism, and official data on the rise in antisemitic incidents.

The article presents a worrying picture of Dutch Jewry after the October 7 attack. Dutch Jews testify to overt discrimination in the housing and job markets, children absorbing antisemitic remarks in schools, and pro-Palestinian protests turning violent. Dutch police data show 867 antisemitic incidents in 2025, with 26% of all discrimination cases opened dealing with antisemitism, even though the Jewish population is only 0.3%. Alongside this, voices in the community distinguish between hatred of Israel and classic antisemitism, and note that the Israeli media amplifies the feeling. However, it is clear that the safe space for Jews in the Netherlands has significantly shrunk, and many avoid displaying visible Jewish symbols.