Devendra Kumar
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog attended the Netherlands’ National Holocaust Museum official launch in Amsterdam on Sunday, alongside Dutch King Willem-Alexander. The ceremony took place at the Portuguese Synagogue in Waterloo Square, where thousands of protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags and chanting against Israeli occupation. The protests were sparked by Israel’s latest military offensive against Palestinians in Gaza. Despite the controversy, the museum’s opening was marked by a somber tone, with exhibits showcasing the devastating impact of the Holocaust on Jewish lives.
The Netherlands’ National Holocaust Museum tells the stories of the 102,000 Jews who were deported from the Netherlands and murdered in Nazi camps during World War II. The museum also explores the structural persecution of Jews under German occupation. Herzog’s presence at the ceremony was met with criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, who saw it as a sign of support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, Herzog’s office emphasized that his attendance was aimed at honoring the victims of the Holocaust and promoting reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians.
The museum’s opening comes at a sensitive time, with tensions between Israelis and Palestinians escalating in recent weeks. The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, and many more have been injured. The crisis has sparked widespread outrage and protests around the world, with many calling for an end to the violence and a lasting solution to the conflict.
Despite the controversy surrounding his attendance, Herzog’s office said that his visit was aimed at promoting “respect, tolerance, and coexistence” between Jews and Palestinians. The Israeli President was joined by other dignitaries, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and European Jewish Congress President Moshe Kantor. The ceremony was marked by a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Holocaust, and a joint statement was issued condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and xenophobia.
The Netherlands’ National Holocaust Museum is expected to become a major cultural and educational institution, providing a space for reflection and education about the significance of the Holocaust. The museum’s opening is seen as a significant step forward in promoting understanding and reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians, and in combating anti-Semitism and xenophobia.