The cancellations happened during the ADE music festival, one of the world's largest electronic music events, after a video from a "We Will Dance Again" party held at the venue earlier this year surfaced online. Following the controversy, club management announced that, for now, no more events "that could be interpreted as political" will be hosted at the venue.

The club owner said financial losses from the cancellations total approximately 100,000 euros ($106,000), adding that partygoers are the main victims. The owner said the published video "was edited in a biased manner and damaged the venue's reputation."

Event organizers for "We Will Dance Again" criticized the decision, calling it "surrender to threats." The organizers said, "A small group of people uses pressure and threats to dictate what's permitted and what's forbidden, and this is very disturbing." The organizers added that this represents a chilling recreation of patterns of Jewish exclusion from public spaces during dark periods in history. "First, they banned sitting on a bench, then they didn't allow entry to schools. These are things that happened to our parents and grandparents, and now we're seeing similar things happen again," the organizers said.

Belgian parliament member Sam van Rooy also addressed the incidents and warned, "If the cowardly policies continue, Amsterdam will eventually become Judenrein" – cleansed of Jews.

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The Netherlands has shocked diplomatic observers by spearheading European Union efforts to pressure Israel through a human rights review, despite having a right-wing government coalition that includes staunchly pro-Israel parties. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who previously served as ambassador to Israel, successfully pushed through the controversial initiative under mounting domestic political pressure.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas ordered the preparation of a comprehensive report examining whether Israel has violated its human rights commitments under the central EU-Israel agreement. The move succeeded where previous attempts had failed, even during the tenure of Josep Borrell, the outgoing EU foreign policy chief known for his pro-Palestinian positions. While the proposal lacked consensus, Kallas proceeded with the report anyway.

The initiative's origin surprised many European observers. Rather than coming from traditional Israel critics such as Spain or Ireland, the pressure emerged from the Netherlands – a country historically viewed as among Israel's closest European allies. The timing appears particularly jarring given that the current Dutch government consists of distinctly right-wing parties, including the Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders, a vocal Israel supporter.

Intense domestic political pressure appears to have driven Veldkamp's decision to submit the damaging proposal. The foreign minister, who maintains deep knowledge of Israel from his ambassadorial service, found himself caught between coalition commitments and mounting pressure from Muslim communities, hostile media coverage, and vocal pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

The current government's minimal achievements have provided little incentive for coalition members to trigger a crisis over foreign policy. Wilders, whose Freedom Party holds the largest number of seats in the coalition, responded by sharply criticizing the move and labeling Veldkamp a "weak minister." He demanded transparency about whether other cabinet members, including those from his own party, participated in the decision to alter Dutch policy toward Israel.

Chris den Hodt, president of Rotterdam's Jewish community and liaison for Israeli hostage families in the Netherlands, explained the political dynamics driving the shift. "There exists tremendous pressure from media outlets, pro-Palestinian protesters and their supporters, plus the political left in parliament," he said. "Minister Veldkamp advanced a process that he viewed as minimally damaging – commissioning a report rather than calling for suspension of the EU-Israel agreement. Through this action, he sends signals to both Israel and domestic audiences. To Israel, he advocates for increased humanitarian aid, while to Dutch citizens, he demonstrates action to assist Palestinians in Gaza."

The minister's unilateral decision generated negative reactions from coalition partners, den Hodt noted. "This center-right coalition has now instructed him to consult with coalition partners before any future Israel-related initiatives." The minister will likely comply given his party's precarious position – the New Social Contract party (NSC) faces poor polling numbers following its leader's health-related departure. "Should this relatively new coalition collapse, the NSC party risks elimination from parliament in upcoming elections."

Dutch public opinion surveys reveal a complex landscape regarding Israel. According to recent polling, 62% of Dutch citizens believe their nation's media conducts anti-Israel propaganda. "Most Dutch people quietly support Israel while media outlets advocate boycotts," den Hodt observed. "Pro-Palestinians represent a vocal minority wielding disproportionate influence over decision-makers."

Uri Rosenthal, who served as Dutch foreign minister from 2010 to 2013, argues that Israeli perceptions of Dutch support require updating. "Some Israelis maintain romantic notions that the Netherlands represents Israel's closest friend, that Dutch citizens volunteer on kibbutzim, that Dutch leaders defend Israel. Those days have ended."

Rosenthal highlighted stark contrasts between Dutch and German approaches to anti-Israel activities: "Germany prohibits the chant 'from the river to the sea Palestine will be free,' bans the hostile 'Samidoun' organization, refuses masked protesters at anti-Israel demonstrations, and prevents takeovers of public squares and transportation hubs for pro-Palestine protests. Everything I mentioned occurs regularly in the Netherlands with official tolerance."

Demographic realities complicate political calculations for Dutch leaders. The Netherlands houses approximately one million Muslims, concentrated heavily in major cities, while the entire Jewish population ranges between 20,000 and 40,000 individuals. "City leaders face significant electoral risks when supporting Israel," Rosenthal explained. "Global attention has shifted from October 7 to Gaza casualties. The foreign minister attempted to establish a 'red line' without coalition approval."

Potential economic consequences concern Rosenthal, who warned against damaging bilateral cooperation. "Imposing trade difficulties would harm Israel, but intelligence and defense cooperation benefits the Netherlands substantially. Ending cooperation with Israel contradicts Dutch interests."

Chris Stoffer, chairman of the Reformed Christian Party in the Dutch parliament, emphasized contradictions with the coalition agreement, which affirms Israel's rights to existence, security, and self-defense while mentioning potential embassy relocation to Jerusalem. "The foreign minister's decision troubles me deeply," he said. "This occurs precisely when Israel's support remains vital for hostage recovery, Hamas defeat, and Israeli security."

Dutch public sentiment shows increasing criticism of Israel while maintaining substantial support, particularly within Christian communities, Stoffer noted. He documented exponential antisemitism increases since October 7 and expressed concern about anti-Israel demonstrations that ignore hostage releases or Hamas criticism.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof has avoided public comment on his foreign minister's controversial initiative, creating uncertainty about government unity on Israel policy.

Rosenthal consistently advised Israeli leaders to "help me help you," warning against excessive American dependence. He recalled telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that exclusive reliance on America was a strategic mistake. "Netanyahu acknowledged 'giving up on Europe.' Recent years show Israel building European relationships with Hungary and the Czech Republic, but deeper engagement across Europe remains necessary."

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The Central Archives for Special Justice (CABR) in The Hague is preparing to reveal thousands of names of Dutch citizens who collaborated with Nazi Germany, marking a historic moment in the Netherlands' confrontation with its wartime past.

Dutch media outlets report that the archives contain roughly 425,000 case files of deceased individuals suspected of Nazi collaboration during World War II. These files cover Dutch citizens born before 1915, as well as deceased individuals born after 1915, who faced investigation for collaboration – including cases where suspects were neither convicted nor brought to trial.

Initially, plans called for unrestricted public access to the Dutch War Archives, including photographs and complete investigation details. However, legal challenges centered on privacy rights, particularly concerning living individuals, led to limitations on direct archive access.

Under current guidelines, individuals seeking to examine archive files must submit formal requests. While visitors may transcribe archive contents using writing implements, photography of documents remains prohibited. Nevertheless, the names of suspected Nazi collaborators will be searchable through a freely accessible online database. Those with direct connections to the cases may request comprehensive reviews to uncover additional details about their family history.

Minister of Education, Culture, and Science Eppo Bruins, known for his work in Holocaust-era art restitution, acknowledged this week that "the current accessibility of restricted war archives falls short of ideal" but committed to expanding archive access within privacy law constraints.

The Holocaust claimed over 100,000 Dutch Jewish lives, with civilian participation in Jewish deportation extending far beyond official collaboration. The release of this information, following an 80-year classification period, is expected to generate significant controversy in the Netherlands. The extensive list of accessible collaborator names might reveal individuals who later assumed key Dutch leadership positions, while allowing citizens to discover their own relatives' involvement with the Nazi regime.

The process parallels East Germany's exposure of Stasi files, where the intelligence service documented collaborators, including family members and neighbors who informed on close associates. This revelation could profoundly impact Dutch society as people confront uncomfortable truths about their family histories. Additionally, Holocaust victims' descendants can now identify those responsible for reporting their relatives to Nazi authorities and trace the chain of events leading to their persecution.

This disclosure catalyzes crucial discussions in the Netherlands, particularly given widespread misconceptions about Dutch Holocaust history. A Claims Conference survey from January 2023 revealed that nearly 25% of Dutch Generation Z considers the Holocaust mythical, while 53% of Dutch citizens failed to recognize their country as a Holocaust site. Nevertheless, 77% of Dutch people affirm the importance of Holocaust remembrance education.

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Dutch leader Geert Wilders wrapped up a brief but significant visit to Israel on Tuesday, during which he received the prestigious Jabotinsky Prize for Liberty and met with top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Wilders, whose Freedom Party recently emerged as the largest party in the Dutch parliament, reaffirmed his longtime support for Israel and visited strategic locations in the West Bank.

Wilders recalled volunteering in the West Bank during the 1980s in a post on X upon his arrival in Israel. He began Monday morning with a tour led by Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, which included a strategic observation point along the security barrier overlooking the Samaria hills. During the observation point stop, Wilders stated, "Settlement in Judea and Samaria is not just historical justice, it's Israel's bulletproof vest. Without settlement in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, it would be impossible to maintain the State of Israel."

Great meeting today in Jerusalem with my friend Bibi @netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/azL0PBjveg

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) December 9, 2024

 He then traveled to Jerusalem for a series of diplomatic meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented Wilders with the Jabotinsky Prize for Liberty for his support of Israel during a ceremony held in the Knesset. Dagan, Ministers Amichai Chikli and Gila Gamliel, and other members of parliament attended the event.

During the ceremony, Wilders thanked his hosts for the award and said, "This is not the time to remain silent. This is the time to support Israel. If Israel falls to the forces of darkness, the West will be next."

"The main reason I am here is to show you that political leaders from Europe are not afraid to come here and say both here and in Europe that we will never abandon you and will always stand by your side. What drives the hatred for Israel? I fear it's the hatred of extreme Islamist fanatics. It's also the self-hatred of Western 'woke' individuals who no longer believe in fighting for truth." Wilders concluded his remarks in Hebrew, saying, "Thank you and Am Israel Chai."

Thank you my friend Speaker @AmirOhana and the Knesset for the most warm reception today in Jerusalem, #Israel. pic.twitter.com/L0ii5SqPww

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) December 9, 2024

Knesset Speaker Ohana, who presented Wilders with the award, said it was a fitting gesture for he "has consistently supported our right to live in security and defend ourselves, and clearly opposed the antisemitic violence sweeping Europe. He understands the threat that extreme Islamist and antisemitic elements pose not just to Israel, but to the free world as a whole. He confronted the lies spread by institutions like the International Criminal Court that distort justice and encourage terrorism. Geert brings the same optimism that Trump brings – but to Europe."

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan said at the event: "I thank a true friend and true partner of the State of Israel – Geert Wilders. Your support is an important reminder of our unity and deep solidarity; we are together. Israel is in the midst of a war between civilization and a 3,000-year-old ancient world. On October 7, terrorists murdered residents of kibbutzim and called them 'settlers,' despite them not living in Judea and Samaria. From their perspective, it doesn't matter – they're all Jews. I want to tell you something new – for them, European citizens are also settlers! We are not the big enemy, European citizens are the big enemy. After October 7, we know better than ever – we must stand together against the common enemy, Europe and Israel must fight together."

Earlier in his political career, Wilders had been dubbed "Europe's Trump" by various media outlets and political analysts due to his populist rhetoric and controversial positions on immigration and Islam.

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1.

Just after news broke about the attacks perpetrated by Muslim assailants on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, Pavlovian associations to "Kristallnacht" surfaced on social media, as the anniversary of that infamous night had just been marked. At our Shabbat table, my daughter wondered why people weren't more cautious in making such comparisons. This brings to mind the teaching from Pirkei Avot: "Scholars, be careful with your words."

The attacks could perhaps have been prevented if, for example, fans had been forewarned to stick together in large groups. Had they done so, they could have defended themselves, retaliating against their attackers, who hunted down only isolated and vulnerable fans. The crucial difference between "Kristallnacht" and the Amsterdam pogrom is that today we have our own sovereign state, and a generation has grown up unafraid of antisemites and unmoved by their malice. Dear fans, keep traveling to the matches, just stay in groups. And next time, if the local police don't protect you, defend yourselves. It's that simple.

2.

The punditry didn't stop with Holocaust comparisons: "The extensive effort to bring the soocer fans home showed us how far Israel is willing to go for its citizens when it chooses, but also how little is done for the 101 citizens who have been held hostage in Gaza for over 400 days," said one commentator.  The insinuation is clear: Israel rescues soccer fans, but it won't free the hostages. Moreover, it is not Israel that is to blame, in that pundit's view, it is Netanyahu alone who is the primary culprit.

Such pearls of wisdom appear to be bottomless; another pundit commented: "Yesterday, Qatar announced it would stop mediating in the hostage negotiations until both sides showed a serious commitment to a deal. The Qataris have a point: both Hamas and Israel show little interest in a deal and thus sentence the hostages to death." The press, it seems, will print anything, even the words of a commentator who treats Qatar – a country that has funded Hamas and spread antisemitic propaganda through Al Jazeera for decades – as a non-partisan adjudicator. If Qatar says both sides are not acting in good faith, the commentator believes it, viewing Israel and Hamas as one and the same, both responsible for the hostages' fate. This disgraceful commentary was written as "analysis" of the Amsterdam incident.

3.

This shameful "analysis" reached new heights when, the same day, Jake Sullivan, President Biden's National Security Advisor, a man closely involved in negotiations for a hostage deal, stated unequivocally: "Here's what I see. First in Gaza, it really, today, it is not Israel that is standing in the way of a ceasefire and hostage deal. It is Hamas. Israel has said it's prepared to do a temporary ceasefire for a number of hostages and then try to build on that to get all of the hostages home – Hamas has said no – whatever Hamas is saying publicly, what they are communicating to the mediators is no, we will not do a ceasefire and hostage deal at this time. So, what we need to do is get the rest of the world to continue to increase pressure on Hamas to come to the table, to do a deal in Gaza, because the Israeli government has said it's prepared to take a temporary step in that direction."

Sullivan isn't the only one in the Biden administration to confirm the lengths Israel is willing to go to free its hostages, yet some commentators remain blind to reality, their views clouded by hatred toward Netanyahu. For them, Israel and Hamas are one, and Netanyahu is "killing the hostages." What a disgrace.

4.

Trump's appointments have been unequivocally pro-Israel. You won't hear from them moral lectures or attempts to tell us how to ensure our security – only steadfast support. They see eye-to-eye with us the threats Israel faces – threats that also endanger the free world. Iran, and its malignant proxies throughout the Middle East, are top priority for them. They also clearly understand that a Palestinian state is just a code name for a radical Islamic caliphate in the hills of Judea and Samaria, a stone's throw from our cities, and that this would be a prize for terrorists the world over. They view the Palestinian Authority as not essentially different from Hamas. Extending Israeli sovereignty over our ancient homeland is not a distant vision for Trump's inner circle. Will the coming years be a time of wonders in which we shape our future for the next century? Their declarations are inspiring, but actions will determine our destiny. Let us hope and pray.

5.

It's not just the U.S. that's changing; many Europeans watched last weekend's riots in Amsterdam with horror. They understand that the continent is shifting and not in their favor. The aim of Muslim migrants is not the Jews but the Christians, whom they seek to convert, and whose cities they intend to control. Jews have always been a litmus test for the collapse of the old order. Now is the time to leverage these riots to shift Europe's stance on Israel. There are many who understand this, but others are still unaware of the bigger picture, and it is crucial that this is presented to them.

About twenty years ago, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, one of the leading clerical authorities in the Islamic world, issued a fatwa foreseeing what is now unfolding in Europe's streets: "The city of Hirqil [that is, Constantinople] was conquered by the young 23-year-old Ottoman Muhammad bin Morad, known in history as Muhammad the Conqueror, in 1453. The other city, Romiyya [Rome], remains, and we hope and believe [that it too will be conquered]. This means that Islam will return to Europe as a conqueror and victor after being expelled from it twice - once from the South, from Andalusia, and a second time from the East when it knocked several times on the door of Athens…I maintain that the conquest this time will not be by the sword but by preaching and ideology."

Rome is the capital of Western Christianity and represents all of Western Christian civilization to be conquered and Islamized. Look at what is happening in Paris, London, and other European cities. Look at what is happening in the United States. This is why Israel's fight against Iran and its Islamist proxies is the free world's fight. Last May, the European Parliament was elected with a majority aligned with these messages. Now is the time to speak these truths widely, as Europe is primed to receive them.

6.

This Shabbat, we will read about the binding of Isaac: "Take your son, your favored one, Isaac, whom you love, and go forth to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering…"  The foundational text of our people doesn't only contain rebellion and "patricide" but also the inverse – a father willing to sacrifice his son. The biblical story reveals that not only was the father willing to offer his son, but the son, too, was ready to sacrifice himself. Over the past year, we have heard, with awe and reverence, prophetic words from mothers and fathers at their sons' graves, reenacting the moment of the binding. Parents send their sons into battle, and the sons willingly go to defend their people and land.

"Who strengthened Abraham's arm, who supported his right arm that it drooped not powerless? For he who contemplates this scene is unnerved. Who strengthened Abraham's soul so that his eyes grew not too dim to see either Isaac or the ram? For he who contemplates this scene will be struck with blindness." (Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling). We, this generation, can testify that we have seen this with our own eyes and have not been blinded.

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The streets of Berlin are awash with orange as jubilant Dutch soccer fans celebrate their national team's advancement to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Turkey, the Netherlands now faces England in a highly anticipated match. Amid the festivities, supporters remain confident of their chances against the Three Lions and beyond, while also expressing warm sentiments towards Israel.

The Euro 2024 quarter-finals concluded Saturday, with an exciting match between the Netherlands and Turkey in Berlin, where the Orange won 2-1 and advanced to the semi-finals. In the next stage, on Wednesday in Dortmund, England awaits them, having earlier eliminated the Swiss.

The great excitement among the orange-clad crowd after the game was because they returned to the final four for the first time in 20 years, but also because the last time they met the Three Lions in a major tournament was in the group stage of Euro 1996. Then they suffered from doubles by Teddy Sheringham and Alan Shearer, with Patrick Kluivert only reducing the score to 4-1 in the tournament hosted by the British. Now the Dutch believe they can make amends.

Berlin is Oranje. 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! #NothingLikeOranje #CreateHistory #NEDTUR pic.twitter.com/QqENlmXkDX

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) July 6, 2024

 Yesterday's game brought together two of the three best fan bases in the tournament, with the Scottish crowd also providing impressive scenes in the group stage. The Dutch love Israel, at least based on those I met. In the square where the fans of the beloved team gathered, I met Joop, a 22-year-old who works for ESPN Netherlands. He told me he's currently less known, working behind the scenes as a social media person, and hopes to be more recognized one day. When I told him I was from Israel, he gave me a wide smile and said he hopes Israel will one day qualify for a major tournament.

When I returned to the hotel hungry, I sat at the bar and ordered a cheese platter. It was the only thing left at 1 a.m. Next to me sat three Dutch guys, all from Eindhoven. Patrick, who sat beside me, showed me a video of the Dutch crowd dancing to the famous song that went viral throughout the competition days, where everyone moved from right to left. I responded with a video I filmed from the press box at the end of the game, where Ronald Koeman's group celebrated with the crowd. He asked me to send him these magical moments.

When his friend Alexander heard I was from Israel, he looked at me and said "Kill them all," making it clear which side he had chosen since October 7. I asked if he had been to Tel Aviv, "at least 20 times," he replied and said he has friends in Israel, how he remembers Eran Zahavi who played for PSV for two years, and that he does business in the Holy Land.

Alexander had been to all of the Netherlands' games so far, except for the loss to Austria, and he has a ticket for Wednesday at Signal Iduna Park. I told him a tough game awaits in four days and he replied: "England is not our problem, we will beat them." It might be the beers, maybe mind-altering substances, but the Dutch have optimism in abundance right now.

At the Dutch press conference, both coach Koeman and outstanding player Stefan de Vrij gave a lot of respect to England, but said they believe they can return once again to Berlin next Sunday, for the final.

Quite ironically, the question that drew the most attention was from an English reporter who asked the defender, who scored a goal, if he and his teammates were also addicted to the fans' big hit. De Vrij answered affirmatively: "We constantly see videos of our fans celebrating in Germany, it's a big hit in our country right now, it's great to see what soccer does to people, hopefully, we'll make them celebrate with it later on as well."

And what about the Turks? Usually, when politicians come to a soccer game they don't really do good for the team they came to support, and so it turned out that in the game attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his team said goodbye to the tournament. They did take the lead, and looked good for quite a few minutes, and one can, in a non-political view, applaud them for the performances they provided in the last three weeks, but in the second half, Turkey failed to withstand the pressure from the Dutch and ended the evening in tears.

Next to me sat a young journalist from the Turkish media. She saw on my computer that I was from Israel and asked to verify. The guy wore a Turkey shirt with four signatures, including that of the current captain Hakan Calhanoglu. In the end, he gave me a Turkey scarf as a gift, but didn't agree to be photographed with me. Still, quite a few Turks live in fear despite their opinions being less conservative, especially when the all-powerful leader is in the stadium in Berlin.

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In a controversial move, Gidi Markuszower, a prominent figure within the PVV party, has been appointed as deputy prime minister and minister of asylum and migration in the newly formed Dutch coalition government. Markuszower's political career has been marked by his hardline stance on immigration and his outspoken rhetoric, often sparking clashes with fellow lawmakers.

According to the article, Markuszower's path to this pivotal role was not without obstacles. In 2010, he was forced to withdraw from the PVV's candidate list after a warning letter from the AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) to party leader Geert Wilders raised concerns about Markuszower's alleged contacts with employees of foreign intelligence services, deeming him a potential risk to the integrity of the Netherlands.

Despite this setback, Markuszower persevered, eventually securing a seat in the Senate in 2015 and later becoming the chair of the asylum committee in the House of Representatives in 2017. Throughout his political journey, he has remained steadfast in his hardline views on immigration, once describing the immigration policy as "a major crime against the Dutch people" and suggesting that responsible politicians should face a tribunal.

"Gidi Markuszower was born in Tel Aviv on 27 October 1977, and lives in Amsterdam. He has been a Member of the House of Representatives for 2640 days in total," his official page on the Dutch legislature's website says.

Markuszower's appointment as vice premier and minister of asylum and migration is expected to herald a significant shift in the country's approach to these critical issues. In a previous statement cited in the article, he criticized State Secretary Eric van der Burg's handling of the asylum crisis, asserting, "If the state secretary really wants those boats and the associated horrific accidents and casualties to stop, then he should clearly tell all those fortune-seekers: 'Don't come to the Netherlands, we are closing our borders.'"

While the AIVD's allegations regarding Markuszower's alleged intelligence ties remain unsubstantiated, his controversial background and hardline rhetoric have raised concerns among some observers. As the new coalition government prepares to take office, all eyes will be on Markuszower's leadership in shaping the country's approach to asylum and migration policies.

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A Dutch far-left party is calling for the cancellation of the main Holocaust commemoration ceremony held the Netherlands, saying it is "inherently racist."

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The BIJ1 party, which defines itself as "anti-racist and decolonialist," made the call in a draft of its program for the municipal elections of March 2022 in Amsterdam, the Jonet.nl news site reported last week.

During the official May 4 commemoration in Amsterdam for the victims of the Holocaust and the Dutch victims of the war, "the Indonesian, Surinamese, Korean, Iraqi victims of the Dutch [or of the violence supported by the Netherlands] are not commemorated," the draft text states.

As long as this is the case, "Amsterdam should not serve as a platform" for the event, the party argued.

The appeal of the BIJ1 party, which, in the general elections last March, won one of 150 seats in parliament, sparked protest from Jewish associations. Ronny Naftaniel, vice president of the Central Jewish Board of the Netherlands, declared that the call was "astonishing."

Jazie Veldhuyzen, a member of the BIJ1 party running for a seat on the city council, has since said the party has changed its position. He is not really looking to have the event suppressed, but to "make it more inclusive," he told broadcaster RTVNH.

BIJ1, led by Sylvana Simons, is one of two parties represented on Amsterdam's city council in 2018 that refused to sign a joint declaration on the fight against antisemitism.

The party is also campaigning for a boycott of Israel, citing its commitment to Palestinian rights.

i24NEWS contributed to this report

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King Willem-Alexander officially unveiled a new memorial in the heart of Amsterdam's historic Jewish Quarter on Sunday honoring more than 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust, and the Dutch prime minister vowed that it would remind citizens today to be vigilant against antisemitism.

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Designed by Polish-Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind, the memorial is made up of walls shaped to form four Hebrew letters spelling out a word that translates as "In Memory Of."

The walls are built using bricks inscribed with the name, date of birth, and age when each of the more than 102,000 Jews, Roma, and Sinti who were murdered in Nazi concentration camps during World War II or died on their way to the camps.

Jacques Grishaver, chairman of the Dutch Auschwitz Committee, officially opened the monument with the king in the presence of dignitaries and Holocaust survivors. After walking through the gates, each picked up a white stone and placed it in front of a commemorative wall, a Jewish tradition when visiting graves.

The king helped Grishaver pick up and put down his stone. After the ceremony, he spoke to three survivors of the Holocaust.

Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the monument should also force people to confront the question of whether the Netherlands did enough to protect Jews during the war and what he called "the cold reception for the small group who returned from hell after the war."

He called the era "a black page in the history of our country" and said the monument also had an important contemporary message "in our time when antisemitism is never far away. The monument says – no, it screams – 'Be vigilant.'"

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The memorial is built close to a former concert hall where Jews rounded up by Amsterdam's wartime Nazi occupiers were held before being sent to the camps.

The Amsterdam Municipality granted permission for construction to start in 2017, but building work was delayed after residents argued the monument was too big for the location. It was paid for in part by crowd-funding – 84,000 people paid 50 euros ($58) each to "adopt" one of the bricks.

The official unveiling came a year after a friend of Anne Frank, Jacqueline van Maarsen, laid the first stone, which bears the name of 20-year-old Dina Frankenhuis, who was murdered in Sobibor.

Rutte said the monument carries a vital message.

"This name monument says 102,163 times: 'No, we will not forget you. No, we won't accept that your name is erased. No, evil does not have the last word,'" he said. "Every one of them was somebody, and today they get back their names."

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The Netherlands said on Tuesday it had asked Israel to clarify the status of Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki after his travel credentials were revoked following a visit to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

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A PA official said on Sunday that al-Maliki's VIP card, a pass granted by Israel to allow senior PA officials to move freely through border crossings, had been confiscated.

"We have raised the matter with the [Israeli] embassy [and] informed them that, as a host country, the Netherlands is very invested in the fact that the ICC must be able to carry out its work without interference," a Dutch foreign ministry spokesman said.

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced this month that she would investigate alleged Israeli war crimes in Judea and Samaria and Gaza, after the court ruled that it had jurisdiction in the case.

Maliki met with Bensouda at the ICC last week to urge her to accelerate the investigation, his office said.

"We will not be subject to intimidation as we seek justice for victims of atrocity crimes committed in Palestine," said Rawan Sulaiman, who serves as head of the Palestinian mission in the Netherlands and Palestinian representative to the ICC.

Sulaiman called on ICC member states "to support the integrity, impartiality and independence of the ICC, particularly, in light of the threats it, and those cooperating with it, continue to face."

Israel, which does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, and the United States, which has not ratified its founding statute, have both denounced the war crimes investigation.

The revocation of a PA official's VIP status is a step Israel has not taken for years. Israeli officials said the decision to revoke his status was a response to the PA's ICC lawsuit, as well as its ongoing attempts to smear Israel in other international organizations.

Since the Palestinian ICC case hopes, among other things, to hamper freedom of movement for Israeli officials, Israel has decided that Maliki – who is spearheading the legal proceedings – should no longer enjoy extra privileges at the border. He retains the same rights as any other Palestinian citizen, officials said.

Ahmed al-Deek, an official at Maliki's office, said Israeli officers detained and questioned Maliki's aides for 90 minutes.

Deek said that the minister left the crossing without the card. It was not clear when it would be returned to him.

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