Antisemitism Concerns Raised as Amsterdam Cancels Event to Discuss Israel's Apartheid Regime

Jewish Community Expresses Disappointment, Concern over Growing Antisemitism

Event Meant to Raise Awareness of Alleged Human Rights Abuses by Israel

The decision by the city of Amsterdam to cancel an event organized by the Palestinian community to discuss Israel's alleged apartheid regime has sparked concerns about rising antisemitism in the Netherlands. The event, which was scheduled to take place on February 8, was meant to raise awareness about alleged human rights abuses committed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The city's decision came after consultation with local police and the Dutch intelligence agency, the AIVD. The AIVD reportedly warned that the event could attract far-right protestors and potentially lead to violence. However, the Jewish community in Amsterdam has expressed disappointment and concern over the decision, arguing that it sends a message that antisemitism and the silencing of critical voices are acceptable.

In a statement, the Jewish Community of Amsterdam said, "We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the City of Amsterdam to cancel the event on Israeli apartheid. This decision sends a dangerous message that antisemitism and the silencing of critical voices are acceptable in our society."

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has also condemned the cancellation, calling it a "disappointing and concerning development." The ADL has urged the city of Amsterdam to reconsider its decision and allow the event to take place.

The decision to cancel the event comes amid growing concerns about antisemitism in the Netherlands. A recent report by the Center for Information and Documentation on Israel (CIDI) found that there were 231 antisemitic incidents reported in the Netherlands in 2022, up from 160 in 2021.

The CIDI report also found that antisemitism is increasingly being expressed on social media platforms such as Twitter and Telegram. The report warned that the online spread of antisemitism is contributing to the normalization of anti-Jewish hatred and violence.

The cancellation of the event in Amsterdam has raised concerns that the Dutch government is not doing enough to combat antisemitism. Critics argue that the government's decision to cancel the event sends the wrong message and could embolden antisemitic elements in society.

The Jewish community in Amsterdam has called on the city to reconsider its decision and allow the event to take place. The community has also urged the government to take stronger action to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish citizens.