Douwe Bob leaves Netherlands over threats after VVD leader's anti-Semitism accusations
Singer Douwe Bob has left the Netherlands with his family on the police’s advice, the singer said on social media. He’s received serious threats after VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz accused him of anti-Semitism.
“I am writing this from the car on the way from the Netherlands. To ensure the safety of my family and myself, we have decided to leave for the time being,” Douwe Bob wrote.
The police would not confirm to NOS whether they urged the singer to leave the country. His management told the broadcaster that serious threats were made against him. “There was acute danger. We had to call 112.” Douwe Bob has reported several serious threats to the police.
On Sunday, Douwe Bob refused to perform at the annual Jewish football tournament Jom Ha Voetbal in Amsterdam at the last minute. According to the singer, there were “Zionist posters and pamphlets” on display, and that was against the agreements he had made with the organization. “I love the Jewish community, I am against Zionism, and that is what is sold here. That is why I cannot play here now. Sorry,” he said before walking off the stage.
That same day, Yeşilgöz accused him of anti-Semitism online. She posted photos of Douwe Bob on X with a reference to the Second World War. “That’s how common anti-Semitism has become. Pure hatred, in plain sight,” the politician wrote.
On Tuesday, she said she would not apologize to Douwe Bob for the threats made against him. She called the threats bad, but doesn’t think she is to blame or that she added fuel to the fire.
“The media and politicians still portray me as not wanting to play for children because of their Jewish background,” Douwe Bob said on social media on Tuesday night. “Fortunately, this is a total lie.”
His management told NOS that they hope the singer and his family can find some peace, “and that politicians will find something else for their election campaign.”
