Eddo Verdoner, National Coordinator for Antisemitism Combat (NCAB):
“The number of reports unfortunately remains high. The figures clearly show the dividing line: since the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the number of reports of antisemitism has increased enormously. That is the bitter reality. But we must never consider that normal.”
The OM registered 80 discrimination cases last year with the discrimination ground antisemitism, compared to 122 cases in 2023. This decline compared to 2023 is due to the high number of football-related cases with antisemitic character that year. Relatively, many of the discrimination cases registered by the OM were based on antisemitism. Of the total number of discrimination cases registered by the OM in 2024, 37% were antisemitism.
“While only 0.3% of the Dutch population is Jewish,” says Verdoner. “Jewish Dutch people are thus overrepresented as victims of discrimination.”
Internet discrimination and offline vandalism
Verdoner calls the increase in reports of online antisemitism in 2024 serious. Meld.Online Discrimination received 136 reports of antisemitism, compared to 114 in 2023. This is 19% of the total number of reports at this reporting point.
“People are spending more time online, and the chance is increasingly greater that they will encounter antisemitic expressions there. Now that many social media companies have announced in 2025 that they will moderate less strictly, this increase greatly concerns me. These companies really need to take responsibility to tackle antisemitism on their platforms.”
The number of antisemitic defacements and vandalism rose from 58 in 2023 to 78 in 2024. The majority involved antisemitic posters, stickers, and graffiti.
“The increase in the number of vandalism and defacements indicates a hardening in our society,” says Verdoner. “People no longer engage in conversation but retreat angrily into their own righteousness. We need to break that.”
Increased chances of prosecution, focus on education and information
According to Verdoner, the chances of prosecution for antisemitism must increase.
“People think twice if the chance is high that they will be punished. Online, for example, this is far too low.”
Prevention and thus education is also of great importance.
“Antisemitism and the Holocaust deserve more attention in the classroom, and we need to ensure that those lessons stick better. Invite a Holocaust survivor as a guest speaker. Take your class to a museum or memorial center. Ensure interaction, but never shy away from the conversation about the Holocaust.”
Jewish life as an antidote to antisemitism
Additionally, the NCAB advocates for more attention to Jewish life.
“Jews are a small minority in the Netherlands. The chance of encountering a Jewish person is low. And the unknown breeds contempt. Increasing knowledge about Jews is an antidote to antisemitism.”
Quick implementation of measures from strategy
The NCAB urges the implementation of the Antisemitism Combat Strategy 2024-2030. Several measures from this strategy have already been initiated. Verdoner advocates for the swift realization of all measures.