Multifaceted approach to tackle the multi-headed hydra of antisemitism

News item | 22-11-2024 | 15:00

As no one should have to face hatred, intimidation, exclusion or violence, prevention is essential alongside repression. Jews must be free and safe to express their Jewish identity. They must be able to walk safely on the street wearing a kippah, feel secure placing a mezuzah on their doorpost, and be able to freely express their faith and customs in other ways.

Minister Van Weel: ‘Unfortunately, antisemitism has continued to rise in the Netherlands over the past year. And the events in Amsterdam two weeks ago made this very clear to the country again. The government is doing its utmost to tackle antisemitism. For example, we are exploring robust measures such as fast-track court proceedings, banning face coverings at demonstrations, and possibly revoking citizenship for serious crimes with an antisemitic aspect. A Task Force Against Antisemitism will also start work on enhancing safety for Jews in the near future.’

Measures

The government also aims to criminalise the glorification of terrorism with a high maximum penalty, considering the potential consequences for countering antisemitism. Additionally, police need to be able to monitor certain private chat groups if these discussions could lead to major public order disturbances. The minister will introduce a legislative bill in the first half of 2025 to expand police powers for information gathering to maintain public order.

The government wants to examine how to make a clearer distinction between peaceful demonstrations and disruptive actions. This has been prompted by the increasing number of protests at which demonstrators often deliberately push or cross legal boundaries or at which other fundamental rights or national security may be compromised. The study is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

Task Force Against Antisemitism

A Task Force Against Antisemitism will be established in the near future. This Task Force will work on targeted proposals to enhance the safety of Jews over the coming year, including that of Jewish students at universities and the safety implications of sit-ins at railway stations. The government considers it important that the Task Force consists of representatives from relevant ministries, the National Coordinator Against Antisemitism (Nationaal Coördinator Antisemitismebestrijding, NCAB), mayors, various sectors including education, sports, culture and public transport, as well as other social partners. They will all work with the measures from their own areas of responsibility. Representatives of the Jewish community are also members of this Task Force. The Task Force secretariat will be embedded within the NCAB and the Task Force will operate for a period of one year.

Security Fund

Due to the increase in antisemitism in the Netherlands, Jewish schools, institutions and event organisers have long been taking their own measures to ensure safety or alleviate safety concerns. Although this aligns with the division of responsibilities in terms of security, these costs can disproportionately burden the community. The government therefore intends to provide financial support to Jewish schools, institutions and events, having reserved €1.3 million per year for this purpose.

The root causes of antisemitism are also being addressed. The government is developing instruments to make young people and adults more resilient and that can lead to changes in attitudes and behaviour. It is also important to pay extra attention to Judaism and the Holocaust in schools. The National Plan To Enhance Holocaust Education lists the reinforcement measures.

Taking a stand against antisemitism in football

All clubs must tackle antisemitism in football. Antisemitic slogans and chants in and around football stadiums have repercussions that extend beyond these venues and affect many Jews outside them. Chants are also repeated in schools. Two projects focus on behavioural change among children and young people: Fair Play workshops held in schools and football clubs – co-organised by the Anne Frank House – will be expanded to more schools and football clubs. Additionally, the Chanting (Spreekkoren) Project in professional football will continue, aiming to raise awareness among supporters about the hurtful effect of antisemitic chants.

Keeping the memory alive and recognising Jewish life in the Netherlands

While the genocide of Jews in World War II may seem distant to many, Jews living today are still dealing with the effects of the Holocaust. It is crucial to secure and pass on the tangible and intangible history of World War II to future generations. To continue telling the story of World War II, including the Holocaust, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport supports professional organisations within the remembrance sector. This includes the five remembrance centres, the Jewish Cultural Quarter, the National Committee for 4 and 5 May, the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and the Anne Frank House. The government also supports the new National Holocaust Museum. It will also combat antisemitism by investing in an inclusive, diverse and accessible cultural sector in 2025. A focus on dialogue and knowledge sharing with cultural institutions will also help ensure inclusion. To further professionalise the introduction to Jewish life, there will be sustained investments in projects such as ‘Get to Know Your Neighbours’.

Multi-year approach

This strategy is a multi-year approach in which the government will review the effectiveness of measures and further enhancements every year. Tackling antisemitism through an integral approach is a priority that includes promoting religious tolerance, encouraging interfaith dialogue and addressing polarisation. The Minister of Justice and Security is coordinating the continued development of the strategy, with various ministers and state secretaries from Interior and Kingdom Relations, Education, Culture and Science, Social Affairs and Employment, Health, Welfare and Sport, and Foreign Affairs bearing final responsibility in their own policy areas. The strategy has been developed in conjunction with the NCAB and the NCAB advises departments and other authorities on its implementation.