Amsterdam-Yiddish dictionary part of capital's new approach against Antisemitism

The city of Amsterdam wants to increase the willingness to report Antisemitism, according to its Antisemitism Approach, published on Tuesday. The plan also includes developing an Amsterdam-Yiddish dictionary. This “underscores not only the long-standing presence of the Jewish community in the city, but also the profound influence it has had on the development of Amsterdam’s language and culture.”

According to the approach, negative remarks and threats, among other things, hinder Jewish Amsterdammers in expressing their identity. This often makes them feel anxious and unsafe in Amsterdam.

The city also notes that there is a “wide” gap between what Jewish Amsterdammers experience and the statistics. The police and the Discriminatie.nl reporting center receive fewer reports than Jewish advocacy groups. In 2023, the reporting center in the Amsterdam region received 48 reports of Antisemitism, rising to 88 last year.

To increase willingness to report, the municipality believes it is important to raise awareness of the reporting center within the Jewish community, which comprises approximately 23,000 people in Amsterdam. It must also continue to emphasize the accessibility of reporting and strengthen collaboration between the reporting center and Jewish organizations like CIDI.

According to the municipality, increased willingness to report will enable Amsterdam to better monitor and respond to developments surrounding Antisemitism.

The municipality also aims to facilitate more interactions between Jewish Amsterdammers and other Amsterdam residents, including in neighborhoods and schools. The municipality believes that this will foster empathy and understanding.