News

Big rally in Amsterdam against antisemitism: “We stand with our Jewish friends”

27 November 2024

The rally against anti-Semitism on November 28 has been moved to the Stopera Square opposite City Hall in Amsterdam. Frank van Oordt (Director C4I Netherlands): “We think it is very important that the rally will take place. Even if it is at a different location. We considered summary proceedings, but deemed the time too short. Because the city council left it to the last minute, summary proceedings became impossible to keep the event on track. We call on everyone to come and give a strong statement to the society that we as Dutch people stand beside our Jews.”

Safety cannot be guaranteed on Dam Square
The mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema indicated yesterday afternoon that the demonstration against Jew hatred cannot take place on Dam Square in Amsterdam in a conversation with Christians for Israel, CIDI and the CJO. This is not a ban on the rally from the City of Amsterdam, Halsema said, but it is on this specific location. The reasons given are: the busy last shopping night before ‘Sinterklaas’ (Dutch Saint Nicholas) and the fact that the rally is organized at night when it is dark, on a particularly busy square. As a result, the safety of visitors to the rally at that location cannot be guaranteed by the City of Amsterdam.

Christians for Israel is deeply disappointed with the decision of the Amsterdam local authorities (which is the mayor, police chief and chief public prosecutor). Director Frank van Oordt: “It is extremely tragic that the Amsterdam local authorities has made this decision. This while pro-Palestinian demonstrations do continue at the place where the horrific murder of Jews during World War II is commemorated every year.”

The request for the rally was made over a week ago and was quickly agreed to. Van Oordt: “The cancellation is a slap in the face to the Jewish community. We are not allowed to stand up together against hate and intimidation at the National Monument on Dam Square and have to move to another location.”

Reason for manifestation
In the past year, the Jewish community in the Netherlands has increasingly faced hatred of Jews. This became painfully apparent during the “Jew hunt” in Amsterdam on the night of Nov. 7-8. Antisemitic incidents have become the rule rather than the exception. The question arises: can Jews still feel safe in our country?

Frank van Oordt, director of Christians for Israel: “It is beyond belief that such hateful actions are taking place in the Netherlands in the year 2024. Nothing or no one should explain, relativize, or condone such a horrific event.”

Christians for Israel, in cooperation with various Jewish and Christian organizations, wants to send a strong statement against Jew-hatred. On Thursday, November 28, at 7 p.m., we will gather in Amsterdam to show our solidarity with the Jewish community. Under the heading: “We stand beside our Jewish friends,” we want to stand up together against antisemitism and Jew-hatred.

Solidarity
The rally serves as a powerful message that the Jewish community in the Netherlands is not alone. Van Oordt: “We refuse to stand by idly. Instead, we want to demonstrate our collective commitment to a society where Jews can feel safe and respected. We urge everyone to join us in large numbers and help us proclaim this message of unity. Let your voice be heard as well!”

Changed location: Stopera Square, Amsterdam
Date: Thursday, November 28
Time: from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm