Dutch Jewish Community Challenges New Trade Law, Citing Discrimination

The Jewish community in the Netherlands is preparing to file a lawsuit against a new Dutch law that prohibits the import and sale of goods from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The Center of Jewish Organizations in the Netherlands (CJO) views the law as discriminatory and plans to challenge it in a Hague court within weeks. CJO Chairman Hanan Herzberger stated that the law violates the religious freedom of Jews and Christians who have religious ties to these regions. He also highlighted that the law specifically targets Israel without precedent and imposes the harshest penalties, including criminal liability for importing or purchasing goods from the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem, a measure unique to the Netherlands.

Herzberger warned that the law could lead to dangerous situations, potentially extending to prohibitions on religious practices like kosher slaughter (shechita) and circumcision (brit milah), making Jews feel unwelcome. He expressed concern that the measures against Israel are unprecedented and reflect a recurring pattern of targeting the Jewish people. The CJO is prepared to escalate the case to the European Court of Justice if necessary to demonstrate the law's illegality and disproportionate nature.

The law's restrictions could potentially affect Christian purchases as well, particularly items with religious significance. Herzberger noted that while the current focus might be on non-essential goods like wine and tahini, the community is concerned about the potential for broader restrictions and the message it sends to the Jewish population. The CJO aims to have the Dutch government's decision overturned.