In Amsterdam, everyone should feel free. Unfortunately, many Jewish Amsterdammers do not always experience this. They face remarks, intimidation, or online hate. As a result, some prefer to leave visible symbols of their faith or background at home. To change this, the municipality is taking extra steps to combat antisemitism and support Jewish life in the city.

The Jewish community has been part of Amsterdam for centuries. Yet antisemitism still occurs. Tensions elsewhere in the world can be felt directly here, on the street, in public transport, or at school. A consequence of antisemitism is that Jewish Amsterdammers often feel unsafe in the city.

A city where everyone feels at home

Amsterdam is committed to strengthening the safety of Jewish Amsterdammers. We want to be a city where everyone feels at home, regardless of background or faith. We fight against antisemitism and support initiatives that contribute to the visibility of Jewish life.

What are we already doing?

Some examples of what we already do against antisemitism:

  • The campaign ‘Kom Op Amsterdam’ is aimed at combating discrimination and has focused on antisemitism since 2019.
  • In Centrum and Zuid, regular talks take place between Jewish representatives and the police about safety.
  • Discriminatory expressions in public spaces, such as offensive graffiti and stickers, are removed extra quickly.
  • Meetings are organized between Jewish and other Amsterdammers and exhibitions are held to remove prejudices.

The new approach includes additional measures:

Easier reporting

Discriminatie.nl Regio Amsterdam is available for all reports of discrimination. We make the reporting point better known and more accessible to Jewish Amsterdammers. This way, they know where to turn if they experience antisemitism.

Speak up

We speak out against antisemitism. The campaign Kom op Amsterdam is currently displayed in the city again, this time also focusing on online Jew-hate. The campaign shows how bystanders can respond to antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. This way, all Amsterdammers can contribute to an inclusive city.

More meetings in the city

We support activities where residents can meet each other, for example in community centers, schools, and cultural institutions. When people get to know each other better, they have fewer prejudices and discrimination has less chance.

Making Jewish life more visible

The project The Jewish City is being expanded to all districts and Weesp. It shows Jewish life, culture, history, and traditions in the present and past. There will also be a free Amsterdam-Yiddish dictionary, showing the influence the Jewish community has had on Amsterdam’s language and culture.

Room for own initiatives

Jewish Amsterdammers receive support for projects that contribute to identity, culture, and visibility. With an extra focus on youth and young adults. The needs of Jewish Amsterdammers themselves are central to all projects.

Investing in the future of Jewish Amsterdam

On April 24, 2025, Mayor Femke Halsema offered apologies on behalf of the city for the municipality’s role during the Jewish persecution. Amsterdam wants to give lasting meaning to these apologies. Therefore, the city invests 25 million euros in the future of Jewish life. The new approach aligns with this, so initiatives reinforce each other.