In his Christmas speech, King Willem-Alexander addressed a strong message to Dutch Jews and Muslims, emphasizing their essential place in Dutch society.
Following recent riots in Amsterdam, triggered by the arrival of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters last November, and tensions related to the situation in Gaza, the king emphasized the need to not import hatred into the streets.
He stated: ‘I say to Dutch Jews: stay! We are together. I say to Dutch Muslims: this is your country too.’
In this time of strong divisions, he recalled the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and non-violence, calling for mutual understanding to ensure social cohesion.
