The Dutch victory in the Euro quarter-finals against Turkey (2:1) caused mixed feelings in the Netherlands, as a significant portion of its population is of Turkish origin and supported their homeland during the game. Most of them were proud of President Erdogan's presence in the stands in Berlin during the game and defended his hono shortly after the final whistle.
The one who sparked a commotion, which might spill from social networks to the streets of Amsterdam and beyond, is the leader of the "Party for Freedom (PVV)", Geert Wilders, known for his right-wing views and disdain for immigrants. In these days of political changes across Europe, he might also lead the next government in the Netherlands as a prominent coalition member.
Wilders, who never hides his views and has experienced an assassination attempt in the past, posted a mocking tweet after the Dutch victory, in which he appears laughing and happy, facing a sad-looking Erdogan. The tweet caused many to rage against him, although he also received broad support, including Jews and Israelis. This was enough to awaken anti-Semitic sentiments.
#NEDvTUR #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/LRjVB61Vtj
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) July 7, 2024
"He is drowning in Jewish money," responded an Erdogan supporter, who posted an image showing Wilders with a kippah bearing the Star of David, next to an anonymous politician, seemingly Jewish, who appears to be urinating "shekels" on him via animation. Another Turkish user wrote: "It's no wonder Wilders stands on the evil side of the Jews." And in another response, the next threat already emerged: "The Turkish Empire will reach you soon," hinting that Muslims will conquer all of Europe.
"Although I am happy that the Netherlands won, despite being a proud Turk, don't associate all of us with Erdogan. Your tweet is childish and shameful," continued the criticisms. "It's a shame all you know is how to spread hate and divide," summed up another user on Wilders's tweet, who frequently repeats his public opinion that Islam is a dangerous religion.
