A National Coordinator on combatting antisemitism will be established in the Netherlands in 2021, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Ferdinand Grapperhaus announced at a Hanukah celebration.
The new coordinator will start early next year and will be active for at least a year. They will advise the Ministry of Justice and Security on the approach against antisemitism and must ensure better cooperation between parties in this fight. The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, asked for such a coordinator in the summer.
Antisemitism has become increasingly visible over the past years, partly due to social media, Grapperhaus said. “The coronavrius and economic hardship is a breeding ground for conspiracy theories against the Jewish community.” According to the Minister, “the many headed monster of Antisemitism” feels at home in many places. “We must not leave this battle to the Jewish community alone.”
The Dutch government is also working on establishing a National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism, Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Kasja Ollongren announced.
