Since October 7, 2023, the number of reports of antisemitism has doubled. Conflicts, such as the war in Gaza, are polarizing and lead to an increase in antisemitic incidents. This time, due to our digital connectivity, it is happening more intensely and faster than ever. Antisemitism finds fertile ground in right-wing, left-wing, and religious extremism. Unfortunately, it is an everyday part of our society. All of this calls for a strong and sustainable fight against antisemitism, according to the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB).
The Strategy for Combating Antisemitism 2024-2030 outlines the actions that must be taken in the coming years to address the rising antisemitism. The actions from this approach are spread across various ministries, local authorities, and parties in society. The implementation of these measures is essential. Jews are, after all, an integral part of Dutch society and have, like all minorities, the right to a safe future. Combating antisemitism is a shared responsibility. We must protect our society and our rule of law. Below are some highlighted measures.
Tackling Online Antisemitism
Social media plays a significant role in the increase of antisemitism. Online antisemitism is growing explosively. Platforms take insufficient responsibility in this regard. The NCAB is conducting research into the development of online antisemitism and is working with international partners to bring the importance of a decisive approach to online antisemitism to the agenda. Too often, online antisemitism goes unpunished. What we do not accept on the streets, we should not allow on the internet either. It is important that the Digital Services Act (DSA) is fully implemented as soon as possible to be able to make a stand against the platforms.
Promoting Jewish Life
Unknown breeds contempt: Knowledge of Jewish life is an important antidote to antisemitism. The NCAB works, together with the Jewish communities in the Netherlands, to increase visibility and strengthen Jewish life. Given the historical responsibility of the government and the size of the Jewish community, support is essential.
Ensuring the Safety of the Jewish Community
Being able to be safely Jewish is a fundamental right. Antisemitism undermines the fundamental principles of the rule of law and restricts Jews in expressing their identity. A large part of the security costs is borne by the community itself. This places a heavy financial burden on the Jewish community and is unjust. In line with the Strategy for Combating Antisemitism 2024-2030, a security fund will be established for the protection of Jewish schools, institutions, and events.
Strengthening Holocaust Education
If the Holocaust, as a horrific manifestation of antisemitism, disappears from collective memory, the space for antisemitism grows. Knowledge about the Holocaust is crucial to recognize antisemitism and to be resilient against discrimination and hate. In June 2024, the National Plan for Strengthening Holocaust Education was launched. In this plan, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), and the NCAB are working together with various organizations in the field to ensure that the stories from the Holocaust continue to be told. A permanent effort is needed to make Holocaust education more accessible and to keep it that way. The NCAB aims for every student to visit a memorial center or monument at least once and receive a guest lecture.