Dutch King Visits Hague Synagogue, Urges Public Support for Jewish Community

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands made a solidarity visit to the 'Beit Yehuda' synagogue in The Hague on Tuesday, expressing strong support for the local Jewish community. The visit, conducted under heavy security, aimed to bolster the community which has felt isolated and fearful since the October 7th attacks on Israel.

The King's visit occurs amidst rising tensions between Israel and the Netherlands, partly due to Dutch restrictions on products from Judea and Samaria and scrutiny at Schiphol Airport. Earlier, Foreign Minister G Gideon Sa'ar had ordered the return of diplomatic documentation for Dutch diplomats in Ramallah, in response to a Dutch import ban on goods from that region.

During his address, reported by 'Walla!', King Willem-Alexander urged the "silent majority" in the Netherlands to stand up and protect the Jewish community. "Do not touch them," he emphasized, explicitly decoupling Dutch Jews from Israeli government policies. He stated clearly that Dutch Jewish citizens are not responsible for events in Israel and should not be held accountable for the government's actions.

When asked how the community could reach the "silent majority," the King advised, "Keep talking." Members of the community, representing approximately 300 families, shared their struggles, including women afraid to take taxis, children changing schools, and individuals hiding their Star of David necklaces.

Sid Wageneder, a 22-year-old community activist, thanked the King, stating, "Jews are connected to Israel, but not to the Israeli government. That is a difference many people do not see." The King, who also serves as a co-pilot for KLM, previously visited Israel for the World Holocaust Forum, piloting his own plane.