UNGA79: Speech by Minister Veldkamp at the event on Combating Antisemitism and Hate Speech through Education

Speech | 23-09-2024

Ladies and gentlemen,

Mr Barrot, congratulations once again.

It’s a pleasure to see you here.

Director-General Azoulay,

Mr Lauder,

Esteemed guests.

‘Don’t say you’re Jewish.’

That’s the advice the Dutch woman ‘Aaf’ gave her son when he applied for an after-school job.

Aaf does the same.

She herself no longer tells people she’s Jewish...

Aaf isn’t her real name.

She stopped using her Hebrew name months ago.

Aaf’s story is not unique. Many Jews in the Netherlands feel increasing pressure to hide their identity.

And for good reason.

Antisemitism was already on the rise in the Netherlands, but since the 7th of October, antisemitic incidents have surged by over 800 per cent.

This isn’t an isolated trend – it’s happening across Europe.

In the past year, 96 per cent of Europe’s Jews have personally experienced antisemitism.

That’s basically everyone…

Meanwhile, our strongest weapon against antisemitism – remembrance – is fading.

Nearly 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, only a few survivors still remain, to tell us in their own words about the horrors they endured. The horrors that led to ‘never again’.

This is why Holocaust education is so crucial, especially for younger generations.

And why the Dutch government is introducing a new national plan to enhance Holocaust education in schools and museums.

For example, by providing teachers with better resources to teach about the Holocaust and counter misinformation.

But also by encouraging school trips to museums and Holocaust memorials, including the Anne Frank House.

And by promoting local initiatives. Like tours for children along the Stolpersteine – or ‘stumbling stones’ – which are brass plaques in pavements, commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, the Shoah.

Central to these efforts is the National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, a role created in 2021.

Both in the Netherlands and abroad, the Coordinator gives advice, monitors incidents, fosters cooperation and helps raise public awareness.

The goal is to boost society’s resilience enough to successfully confront and overcome antisemitism.

In this regard, there is still a long way to go…

‘When I was young,’ said Aaf, ‘I could be openly Jewish. Now, we’re becoming more cautious, becoming invisible as Jews.’

In a country that prides itself on freedom,

and in a world that vowed ‘never again’, 

this isn’t just painful – it’s unacceptable.

Antisemitism is not limited to one country, or one era.

It’s been a persistent threat throughout history, always lurking, waiting for us to forget. Waiting for us to lower our guard so it can strike.

If we’re not alert, if we do not take action, there will be no future for Jewish people in Europe within decades from now.

We can’t let that happen!

We must work together, with other European countries and multilateral organisations.

We must make the world a better place, Tikun Olam.

We must teach our children about the Holocaust.

They need to know about the terrible suffering and injustice inflicted on the Jewish people and on humanity.

Because ‘never again’ starts with never forgetting.

Thank you.