Dutch King Visits Hague Synagogue, Affirms Jews Not Responsible for Israel's Actions

Amidst deteriorating relations between the Netherlands and Israel, partly due to security checks at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport for products from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the "Beit Yehuda" synagogue in The Hague on Tuesday. During his visit, the King emphasized that Dutch Jews are not responsible for events in the Middle East, stating, "The silent majority in the Netherlands must stand by our Jewish community and say: do not touch them." He called for opposition to antisemitism in the country and defended the Jewish residents, asserting, "Jews are not responsible for what happens in Israel."

The King's visit, conducted under heavy police security, aimed to express support for the Jewish community, whose members report heightened feelings of isolation and insecurity since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Sid Wagenaar, a 22-year-old community activist, told the King that while Jews often feel alone, his visit demonstrated they are still part of the Netherlands. Wagenaar noted that the sense of isolation intensified after October 7, clarifying to the King that "Jews are connected to Israel, but not to the Israeli government," a distinction many fail to recognize.

During his time at the 300-year-old synagogue, the King met with rabbis, young and old community members, and Jewish refugees. They discussed their lives in the Netherlands, integrating tradition with modern life, and personal and community security. The King pledged to raise awareness about their situation. When asked how the community could reach the "silent majority" he mentioned, the King advised, "Keep talking."

Community members shared experiences illustrating their insecurity, such as a woman afraid to take a taxi from home to the synagogue, children changing schools, and individuals hiding their Star of David necklaces. Rabbi Asher Voterman stated that while public discourse often focuses on Israel and antisemitism, Jewish life in the Netherlands encompasses broader issues, advocating for the safety and comfort of all, including LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and Muslims. He recounted sending a letter of support to a nearby mosque after its walls were defaced with hate speech.