About €4.5 million will go to new anti-Semitism plan

From next year, the Cabinet will provide 4.5 million euros for a new concept to combat anti-Semitism, which essentially consists of plans that have already been announced or are already underway. What is new, however, is that an anti-Semitism task force is to be set up. Justice Minister David van Weel had already been working on this plan against hatred of Jews for some time. However, additional pressure arose two weeks ago when the violence against Israeli football fans caused a great deal of political uproar.

“I want to make sure that in a few years' time Jews feel part of our society again and are not threatened,” Van Weel explained after the Council of Ministers discussed the concept.

The task force will draw up short-term plans to improve the safety of Jews in the Netherlands. The difference with the long-established National Anti-Semitism Coordinator is that it will focus more on the long term, a spokesperson for the minister explained. But the tasks will also overlap somewhat, she admits.

It is not yet known who will lead this task force. But according to the minister, it will be an "authoritative chairman". He must "address" points where the "Jewish community now feels unsafe". For example, he refers to "the sit-ins at stations" and "the feeling of insecurity among Jewish students".

The Cabinet also promises to investigate whether it can take tougher action against anti-Semitism . For example, the minister is considering the use of summary justice and a ban on face-covering clothing during demonstrations. He is also looking into the possibility of revoking the Dutch citizenship of people with dual passports "in the event of serious crimes with an anti-Semitic aspect". Cabinet members have already mentioned these intentions in the media and debates in recent weeks.

Of the extra money, 1.3 million euros will go annually to security measures for Jewish schools, institutions and events. The organizations usually pay for security measures out of their own pockets and the government wants to support them financially.

In the plan, the government also mentions a number of ongoing projects against anti-Semitism that will be continued or expanded. For example, there will be more money for workshops against discrimination on the football field, which are co-organized by the Anne Frank Foundation. A project against chants in professional football will be continued.