Open letter from mayors: ‘We do not accept anti-Semitism’

NOS News•today, 2:08 PM

Almost all Dutch mayors have spoken out in an open letter against rising anti-Semitism. The letter, which is shared by the municipality of Amsterdam, is signed by 329 mayors. “The recent flare-up of anti-Semitism is related to the explosion of violence in the Middle East,” they write, referring to the war in the Gaza Strip.

The mayors write that anti-Semitism never went away after the Second World War, and already surfaced more often in the years before the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 last year. Anti-Semitism is therefore “not an incident” but “an age-old form of racism that, if we do nothing, will be passed on from generation to generation,” the letter says.

After October 7, anti-Semitism increased even more, the mayors say. “Online, on the street, in the classroom, at the sports club and at our universities and colleges: everywhere, Jewish townspeople and villagers experience anti-Jewish intimidation and aggression.”

The signatories say they are “horrified” by civilian deaths in Gaza and emphasize that criticism of the Israeli government is not anti-Semitism. “But holding Jewish people responsible for the actions of that government, just because they are Jewish, is. Intimidating, abusing or even physically attacking Jewish people is anti-Semitic and punishable. We stand for freedom of expression and the freedom to demonstrate, but we do not accept anti-Semitism,” it said.

The mayors say they are writing the letter not only as law enforcement officers, but also as “first citizens” of their municipalities. “In that role, we call on our fellow citizens to take each other into account. Not to push the boundaries of what is permissible. We ask our fellow citizens not to use slogans that hurt and intimidate others. To avoid inappropriate comparisons with the Holocaust or to make Nazism deeply painful to survivors.”

That is why the letter writers call for resistance “against any form of discrimination and racism.” They note that volunteers in all Dutch cities and villages are preparing for the commemoration and Liberation Day on May 4 and 5. “We call on all our residents to respect that important and valuable tradition.”

At the National Remembrance Day on May 4 on Dam Square in Amsterdam, fewer visitors are welcome this year and all visitors will be searched. The reason is the increased tension in society and a great willingness to take action, Mayor Halsema said.

Last month, the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in the capital was disrupted by protests, during which, according to several witnesses, anti-Semitic slogans could also be heard.

The Netherlands has a total of 342 municipalities. The mayors of Bergeijk, Den Helder, Dronten, Edam-Volendam, Gemert-Bakel, Horst aan de Maas, Roerdalen, Someren, Teylingen, Zaanstad and Zeewolde did not sign the letter. It is not clear why not.