Chairperson, much has happened in recent days. The news has taken many directions, with several elements potentially being true simultaneously, without diminishing the severity of the situation. As council members, we have taken an oath, and Article 1 of our constitution guides us in this.

Violence and all forms of discrimination are unacceptable in our city, in any form. What has unfolded over the past few days has been horrifying for everyone. To begin with, the first reports from Thursday night revealed calls for a "hunt on Jews." This should never have happened, especially given the lessons we as a city have learned through history. The pain in our city over what is currently happening is being felt by many. Palestinian flags were burned, and slogans were chanted about the deaths of countless Palestinian children during the genocide now taking place in Palestine. This cuts deeply into the hearts of many Amsterdam residents and this is unacceptable.

The reactions from The Hague to this have been severe. Instead of maintaining calm, the discussions in The Hague have focused on revoking passports, calling for an integration crisis among people who were born here, and stricter enforcement on Quran schools.

Let me be clear: the genocide and apartheid in Palestine must stop as soon as possible. Footage from Israel showing the destruction of Palestinian homes as acts of revenge, in response to events in Amsterdam, is horrifying and unacceptable. Our city suddenly found itself at the center of a human rights crisis witnessed by the entire world.

Chairperson, I have several questions for the triad based on the report of facts:

  • In the report, it is confirmed that the mayor, in coordination with the Public Prosecution Service and the police, consulted with the Central Information Point on Football Vandalism, UEFA, the National and International Police Assistance Center, the Israeli Embassy, security officers of Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the NCTV, including a meeting on October 29 with the NCTV director. Additionally, extra measures were taken around the Kristallnacht commemoration. I am curious if any of these organizations have shown any self-reflection after recent events.
  • There were online calls for action, and some specific calls received responses; could the triad expand on this? On what basis were these decisions made?
  • Regarding the incidents involving Maccabi supporters, it is still unclear how the police responded. There is clarity, for instance, that the police arrived quickly, but I am curious about what measures were taken to counteract provocations by supporters, such as during the chanting of slogans, the use of fireworks, and the burning of the Palestinian flag at Dam Square.
  • The report notes that slogans were chanted, violence was used, and vandalism was committed by Maccabi supporters. I would like to know what has been registered about this and how the Public Prosecution Service evaluates it. On social media, we have seen footage showing slogans like "Kill all the Arabs" and "There are no schools in Gaza; there are no children left."
  • The emergency ordinance has been extended, which raises concerns among many residents, as it restricts the right to protest. This is painful for the GroenLinks faction and many Amsterdammers. We would like to know the basis for this decision. Demonstrating plays a crucial role in the public discourse and can foster unity, especially during times of tension.

I want to be sure to avoid contributing to the further stigmatization of groups and to allow space for healing after these events. There must be space for one another’s pain and fear. However, we must be careful not to let fear dictate our actions. We must move forward based on the hope and love we share for this city and one another. I refuse to accept the narrative that these outbursts of violence and intolerance reflect what our city stands for.

We cannot turn a blind eye to what happened; rather, it means that we must have difficult conversations with each other. It means that isolated groups within the city need to meet and come together. I believe this is a city council where the vast majority can put the well-being of the city above party lines. In times like these, standing for solidarity and unity sends a powerful message that Amsterdammers need, condemning violence and hatred but acting from hope and solidarity.