Full text in English & video of King Willem-Alexander's 2024 Christmas speech

On Wednesday, King Willem-Alexander used his annual Christmas address to confront the growing polarization in the Netherlands, urging citizens to reject hate, discrimination, and violence. He emphasized the need for unity, respect, and resilience in a time of rising societal tensions, highlighting fears among Jewish and Muslim communities and calling on all citizens to uphold the nation’s core values of equality and tolerance.

The full translated text of the Dutch king's 2024 Christmas speech from Huis ten Bosch palace follows:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people," the angel said to the shepherds on Christmas Eve. That is good news for all the people. Christmas does not exclude anyone. Everyone is welcome and belongs, including you. You too.

God's Son comes into a broken world and brings us peace. Looking at the many fractures in our world, one can intesely long for that peace. We are so far from it at the moment.

The tensions are palpable, internationally and domestically, and that makes us restless. "Where do you find support? Who can you trust?" Many people feel misunderstood, unwanted, unprotected.

In Amsterdam, students from the Jewish school Maimonides spoke about what it is like to have lessons in a place that is secured with fences. How they prefer to keep a low profile on the street, and in the tram.

Being yourself and simply showing who you are peacefully: This should be self-evident for everyone in the Netherlands. But it is not.

In Vlaardingen, my wife and I spoke to a group of Palestinian-Dutch people. Sixty years ago, the first of them arrived in our country to work in a margarine factory. They built their lives here, together with their children and grandchildren. They told us about their fear for the fate of family members in their country of origin. About their helplessness and despair.

Again and again I am touched by the personal pain that resonates in the stories. What can be done about it? Solving the major world problems and the bitter conflicts elsewhere is beyond our power. But does that make us powerless? No, it definitely does not!

Because what we can do is ensure that we do not import bitterness and hatred into our streets. Resilience against everything that drives us apart.

It starts with respecting the basic rules that apply here in the Netherlands. Every person is equal before the law. Discrimination is not allowed. And we do not use violence, not even when we feel hurt or misunderstood. These principles are not open to debate or discussion, and they apply to everyone, always.

To those who feel distressed, I say, "Be resilient and do not let yourself be discouraged. Be proud of the contribution you make to society! Realize that you are of great value."

To Jewish-Dutch people who tell me they have doubt about their future here, I say, "Stay! We belong together."

To Dutch Muslims, I say, "This is also your country; this is also your country."

In this country, everyone is free to find solace and inspiration in their own faith or life philosophy. Everyone is free to express themselves. Christians, Jews, Muslims, humanists, atheists, or whatever your position in life. Every individual is equal. We do not have to share each other's beliefs and opinions, as long as we realize that others, just like us, are people of flesh and blood, and with recognizable emotions:

Concern for the safety and future of your children;

Anger about injustice done to you;

Sadness at the loss of someone you love;

Uncertainty about yourself;

The need to be seen by others;

The great happiness of friendship.

Everybody recognizes this. “What are your fears? What are your dreams?” Our answers to that are not so different.

As soon as we see each other's pain and each other's desire, there is room for understanding. And understanding creates connection. In all our differences of opinion, let us also look for the humanity that brings us together.

Communicating does not always have to be via mobile phone, mouse or megaphone. If you ask people what they value positively in another, you never hear, "He has such a fantastic opinion of his own." You hear completely different statements. "He is always there for me," "He understands me so well," or, "She is such a good listener."

In that attention for each other lies our ability to alleviate some of the pain of others – and thus also of ourselves. Christmas – the celebration of new beginnings – invites us to fully utilize that capacity.

Paul the apostle gave simple advice in his letter to the Romans: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." If we take this to heart, we will be a little bit closer to a more beautiful world.

I wish you all – wherever you are and whatever your personal circumstances – a blessed Christmas.