The House of Representatives wants April 25 to be the national day against anti-Semitism. JA21 made a proposal to this effect and this was widely supported by the House on Thursday evening, as became apparent during a parliamentary debate. Every year around that date, the House of Representatives must also hold a plenary debate on anti-Semitism, according to the proposal.
According to JA21 party leader Joost Eerdmans, increasing anti-Semitism “requires constant political attention.” The PVV, VVD, NSC, BBB, SGP, ChristenUnie and CDA all voted in favor of the motion.
The House also wants perpetrators of anti-Semitism to also receive an educational punishment. For example, perpetrators should make a mandatory visit to the National Holocaust Museum. “In theory a judge can do this, but in practice such an educational measure is hardly imposed,” says initiator Mpanzu Bamenga (D66).
Catshuis session
The government also wants to organize a session with Jewish and other organizations to discuss increasing anti-Semitism in the Netherlands. Outgoing Minister of Justice and Security Yesilgöz wants to invite universities, educational umbrella organizations, police, local media, transporters and the cultural sector to the Catshuis.
All parties, except the absent Forum for Democracy, supported the Christian Union’s proposal to organize such a meeting. “It is unacceptable that the Jewish community in our country is under such existential threat,” said CU leader Bikker in the parliamentary debate on anti-Semitism.
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