Planned Counter-Protest Sparks Concern

Two Katwijk residents have announced their intention to stage a demonstration “against a possible pro-palestinademonstration” tomorrow night, according to municipal reports. ironically, no pro-Palestinian demonstration has been officially announced.

• The counter-protest is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
• The municipality, in consultation with the police and the Public Prosecution Service, has designated the Strandplein in katwijk as the location for demonstrators.

Background: Disruption of Pro-Palestinian Protest

the planned counter-protest follows a tumultuous event last Wednesday, where hundreds of individuals disrupted a pro-palestinian demonstration held in response to an israel celebration at the Nieuwe Kerk in Katwijk.

While the municipality initially did not anticipate the counter-demonstration escalating, the situation quickly spiraled out of control.

• The mobile unit was deployed to manage the unrest.
• Two arrests were made.
• One person sustained injuries.

Local Residents Express Indignation

The events of last Wednesday have left many local residents feeling indignant. Cees van Duijn, a Katwijk resident, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, I think it would not have been necessary in this way. Has that demonstration been to a different place, and not in the middle of the center, it would have gone much quieter.

Mayor Defends Decision Amidst Controversy

Katwijk Mayor visser acknowledged the inherent risks associated with the demonstration but defended the decision to allow it, explaining, Katwijk is pro-Israel, so that is sensitive. So I asked: is that not possible in another place? Is that not possible on the outside of the village?

However, relocating the demonstration proved unfeasible due to legal constraints. according to demonstration law, protests must occur within sight and hearing distance of the subject of their demonstration.

And you have to allow it, because the right to demonstrate is just a fundamental right. And that goes for.
Mayor Visser

Van Duijn remains unconvinced, arguing, I think the mayor should have shown courage and should have saeid: that is not going to happen here at the moment. I can indicate a different place where you can express your opinion, but not here. That only works polarizing. That drives people apart.

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Recount “Witch Hunt”

Participants in the pro-Palestinian demonstration have described a hostile surroundings and recount feeling targeted and intimidated.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted how she offered a ride to a pro-Palestinian protester who was being pursued.When I dropped him further down, he asked, What happens to us? I am not afraid, but I will never forget what I have seen that evening, she said.

She also described being warned about her safety by a man who told her, you are in a very extremist neighborhood of Katwijk. they are looking for you. A picture of your car is already going around. She further claimed that another man shouted, we are going to slaughter you.

The demonstrator described the experience as deeply unsettling, stating, there were people who took pictures of us, we were scolded and spit. The whole neighborhood participated in this madness. I didn’t even get to that church. There was a lot of hatred. It was just a witch hunt.

Municipality Urges Calm and Discourages Rumors

In response to the escalating tensions, the municipality has urged residents to keep the peace and not to rely on rumors on social media. They added, There are many rumors of which sometimes it is indeed not always clear who the sender is. Together with the police, we look closely at all the signals and we look at what is needed.