The number of anti-Semitic incidents in the Netherlands reached an all-time high in 2019, according to the Center for Information and Documentation Israel.
In 2019, 182 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in the Netherlands, an unprecedented number in the 30 years in which the CIDI has documented the issue, marking a 35% rise compared to 2018. For instance, 2018 saw 18 anti-Semitic incidents labeled "harmful abuse," compared to 44 such incidents in 2019.
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The past year also saw two physical assaults due to anti-Semitism. The CIDI said that up to this point 2014 had been the worst year in terms of anti-Semitic incidents (171), but at that time the spike was caused by harsh reactions to Israel's Operation Protective Edge in Gaza; while 2019 offered no such supposed context for the rise in anti-Semitism.
However, the real picture of anti-Semitism in the Netherlands is far bleaker, according to the CIDI, as most victims of anti-Semitic attacks – verbal or physical – don't report them to the authorities "because they believe nothing will come of it."
Speaking with Israel Hayom, CIDI Director Hanna Luden said the organization would soon publish a comprehensive report on online anti-Semitism.
"Of course enforcement [of community guidelines] must be increased online and on social media sites – which influence actual behavior to a worrisome degree. The [Dutch] government and companies also need to buck up and fight – on the national and international fronts – against the phenomenon of libels, hatred and verbal abuse that have a direct effect on the 'real world.'"
According to Luden, "The phenomenon is akin to a breach in a dam that can't be contained. Similar to Israel, here, too, we are seeing the dangerous effects of social media on the population in general and youngsters in particular. Especially worrying is the phenomenon of anti-Semitism at soccer matches, and it needs to be met with a harsh response. The [soccer] clubs are responsible for the stadiums – and therefore they must respond to any display, minor as it may be, immediately and severely. The police need to do this outside of the stadiums – including in cases where the officer himself is anti-Semitic, which is a spreading phenomenon as well."
An official in the Israeli Embassy in Holland told Israel Hayom that it was "following the rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the country with concern. We frequently raise the issue in our discussions with officials here. We believe the problem must not be undervalued."
The official added: "It is important to note, however, that the government in Holland is aware of the problem and is trying to take steps in the war against anti-Semitism."
