The number of reports of antisemitism doubled in 2023 in the Netherlands.
“Very disturbing and deeply sad,” said National Coordinator for Antisemitism Eddo Verdoner. He is working on a new action plan to reduce hatred of Jews.
In 2022 there were 69 reports, last year there were 154. In addition, the figures from the Public Prosecution Service will be announced in the spring. The largest increase was visible after the Hamas massacre in Israel and the subsequent war.
“The attacks of October 7 are partly intended to create discord,” says Verdoner. “We have to do our best to ensure that we do not allow ourselves to be separated. And we have to work on our resilience. Because it seems as if society has allowed antisemitism again.”
Antisemitism comes from right-wing extremists or from the left, says Verdoner. It can be religious in nature, for example Salafist. Or culturally anchored: soap operas full of hatred of Jews can be seen on Syrian state television. “You also see it in groups that demonstrate against Israel, but who cross the line with antisemitism. We also need to identify that factor so that we can tackle the phenomenon.”
