The Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of the Taskforce Against Antisemitism. The Taskforce started on February 1, 2025, and is retroactively established for one year following the publication of the establishment and appointment decision in the Government Gazette.
In the coming year, the Taskforce will work on making targeted proposals to enhance the safety of Jews, particularly the safety of Jewish students at universities, preventing antisemitic speakers at colleges and universities, and addressing the security consequences of sit-ins at public transport stations.
On December 13, 2024, Jaap Smit, former Commissioner of the King of South Holland, was announced as the intended chairman of the Taskforce. Alongside him, the following members have been appointed by the Minister of Justice and Security:
- Tineke Cleiren, emeritus professor of criminal law and criminal procedure at the Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology
- René Glaser, Strategic Advisor at Glaser Public Affairs
- Ton Heerts, mayor of Apeldoorn, Association of Dutch Municipalities
- Chanan Hertzberger, chairman of the Central Jewish Consultation
- Wouter Koolmees, president-director NS
- Rianne Letschert, chair of the Executive Board of Maastricht University, Dutch Universities
- Wilbert Paulissen, deputy chief of the Dutch Police
- Mirjam van Praag, professor of entrepreneurship and leadership at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), chair of the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (AWTI)
- Eddo Verdoner, National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB)
Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel:
‘I am pleased that these people are willing to commit themselves to the important work of this Taskforce. Antisemitism is an everyday issue and it is crucial that we do everything we can to improve and secure the safety of our Jewish community. It is important that Jewish students and Jewish staff in education feel safe and that clear agreements are in place regarding demonstrations and public order at public transport stations, considering Jewish travelers. I trust that this Taskforce will bring together a group of important representatives who can take concrete steps together.’
With the members appointed today, the Taskforce consists of the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB), representatives from local government, the education sector, the cultural sector, the public transport sector, the police, representatives from the Jewish community, and other societal parties. They will all work on the measures based on their own responsibilities.