A reader just wrote me this: "Your blog was insightful, but it’s time for bold and uncompromising solutions to tackle this issue head-on. We should consider overhauling the rules—arrest and jail anyone involved in riots, strip citizenship from those who incite violence, deport them without hesitation, shut down any venue spreading hate, and remove any religious leaders promoting hatred. Ban demonstrations that call for the destruction of other nations outright. It’s time to act decisively and enforce strict measures"
A stain on The Netherlands and on the pro Hamas groups. But we should not pretend it could not happen here. In Vancouver I was harassed several time by 'Freedom Convoy' supporters for wearing a mask, this happened by the Vancouver Art Gallery, and once shoved off my bike. I did not report this to the police, I was in a hurry to get to work, but I should have. I have also spoken with some healthcare workers who are Jewish and who work in the DTES in Vancouver. They have been subject to threats and abuse for being Jewish. This is Canada, Vancouver. And then there have been the clashes between the Hindutva and Khalistan supporters. We have to work out a way now to act against this polarization or we are on a path to something like the US or Amsterdam. Canada is not innocent or immune.
I was under the impression the Dutch had been good to the Jews during WW2, and only after last Thursday, and after some superficial digging, I realised they were quite complicit in the deportations and murders. Naturally, it was my ignorance.. Thursday’s event, therefore, together with the less than adequate official reaction, paints a very disturbing picture.
In support of the news reports that Uber drivers were at the forefront of this pogrom, I will relay a personal story: my daughter was in Amsterdam visiting my son and his girlfriend a few weeks ago. She said she felt very uncomfortable using Uber and Bolt because during one occasion, the driver kept on asking about her background and during the second ride, she kept on hearing the word Yehud (Jew) during a driver’s private conversation on the phone.
Somehow I believe there is more hope now for the Middle East than for Europe.
Lynn, yes on both points. There is more hope for Middle East I agree with that although it may not seem obvious to most. It is a theme I will discuss more often. Also, the Dutch atrocious record in WWII has many reasons, will also revisit the 'how' and 'why'; behind that.
I have some more questions Pieter: Why do you think Gert Wielders is bewildered and helpless in light of what is happening in Amsterdam? He was talking about massive deportations, why is this not happening? Doesn’t he have any power over the Mayor of Amsterdam ? Or is he running scared?
Wilders has come out strongly, today pushing for deporting rioters who have double citizenship. He is not running scared, he is the most powerful politician right now and this moment is made for him. The Amsterdam mayor survived a vote of confidence today in the local council. We have to see what the national debate brings tomorrow. And yes, in theory they could fire her, but I don’t think it will happen that fast. Her position is weakened though.
Thanks Pieter. The sad thing is - the surprise factor is gone. It’s more of the same, just bolder and more in your face.
And so, when you take a step back and think about this, I’m really curious as to your take on the deeper layer of issues that plague Western Europe. It would be interesting to explore some possible explanations for the continued decline we’re seeing in both the economic and social/cultural realms.
What a fascinating post. You evoke the beauty of pre-war Jewish life so deftly. Such important work and perspectives you are bringing to this moment in history, Pieter. Thanks for stepping up.
A reader just wrote me this: "Your blog was insightful, but it’s time for bold and uncompromising solutions to tackle this issue head-on. We should consider overhauling the rules—arrest and jail anyone involved in riots, strip citizenship from those who incite violence, deport them without hesitation, shut down any venue spreading hate, and remove any religious leaders promoting hatred. Ban demonstrations that call for the destruction of other nations outright. It’s time to act decisively and enforce strict measures"
A stain on The Netherlands and on the pro Hamas groups. But we should not pretend it could not happen here. In Vancouver I was harassed several time by 'Freedom Convoy' supporters for wearing a mask, this happened by the Vancouver Art Gallery, and once shoved off my bike. I did not report this to the police, I was in a hurry to get to work, but I should have. I have also spoken with some healthcare workers who are Jewish and who work in the DTES in Vancouver. They have been subject to threats and abuse for being Jewish. This is Canada, Vancouver. And then there have been the clashes between the Hindutva and Khalistan supporters. We have to work out a way now to act against this polarization or we are on a path to something like the US or Amsterdam. Canada is not innocent or immune.
I was under the impression the Dutch had been good to the Jews during WW2, and only after last Thursday, and after some superficial digging, I realised they were quite complicit in the deportations and murders. Naturally, it was my ignorance.. Thursday’s event, therefore, together with the less than adequate official reaction, paints a very disturbing picture.
In support of the news reports that Uber drivers were at the forefront of this pogrom, I will relay a personal story: my daughter was in Amsterdam visiting my son and his girlfriend a few weeks ago. She said she felt very uncomfortable using Uber and Bolt because during one occasion, the driver kept on asking about her background and during the second ride, she kept on hearing the word Yehud (Jew) during a driver’s private conversation on the phone.
Somehow I believe there is more hope now for the Middle East than for Europe.
Lynn, yes on both points. There is more hope for Middle East I agree with that although it may not seem obvious to most. It is a theme I will discuss more often. Also, the Dutch atrocious record in WWII has many reasons, will also revisit the 'how' and 'why'; behind that.
I have some more questions Pieter: Why do you think Gert Wielders is bewildered and helpless in light of what is happening in Amsterdam? He was talking about massive deportations, why is this not happening? Doesn’t he have any power over the Mayor of Amsterdam ? Or is he running scared?
Wilders has come out strongly, today pushing for deporting rioters who have double citizenship. He is not running scared, he is the most powerful politician right now and this moment is made for him. The Amsterdam mayor survived a vote of confidence today in the local council. We have to see what the national debate brings tomorrow. And yes, in theory they could fire her, but I don’t think it will happen that fast. Her position is weakened though.
Thanks for the explanation Pieter
Thanks Pieter. The sad thing is - the surprise factor is gone. It’s more of the same, just bolder and more in your face.
And so, when you take a step back and think about this, I’m really curious as to your take on the deeper layer of issues that plague Western Europe. It would be interesting to explore some possible explanations for the continued decline we’re seeing in both the economic and social/cultural realms.
Will do that, a longer post on Europe and its challenges. Soon.
Wanted to share this. For context: from a uae minister, 7 yr ago. His prophecy aged pretty well. Key imo is “they know better than us”
https://x.com/hsajwanization/status/1854850773437345880?s=46
Crocodile tears.
For those who sympathize with the phallustinians and wish to visualize what free Palestine is at the moment, Israel has what you seek
https://youtu.be/86CdiLSUALI?si=-bkddf_c-_lJ3Vt7
What a fascinating post. You evoke the beauty of pre-war Jewish life so deftly. Such important work and perspectives you are bringing to this moment in history, Pieter. Thanks for stepping up.