ANP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
The KNVB must force every football club to deal with anti-Semitism and racism. The governing parties ChristenUnie and VVD write it in a joint initiative memorandum. Members of Parliament Segers and Ellian make various proposals in the memorandum to combat anti-Semitism.
The two sides that Before have acted together in this field, they believe that the Jewish community in the Netherlands will also be under pressure in 2022. Segers and Ellian give several examples of this in their memorandum.
Offensive songs
The two write that at least a quarter of anti-Semitic incidents in the Netherlands occur in the world of sport. According to them, the football world is rife with them and this cannot be seen in isolation from Ajax’s association with Jews: “Whether at Ajax matches or matches of other football clubs, offensive chants against of the Jews”.
Segers and Ellian also advocate for “increased awareness of Judaism among football clubs and their fans.” They want clubs to be discouraged from making statements relating to “alleged Jewish identity” and that “active efforts be made to change mentalities among supporters”.
In a work plan, clubs must explain what actions they are taking, paying particular attention to anti-Semitic slogans. According to ChristenUnie and VVD, more use should also be made of “smart technology” to identify people. Also, more stadium bans should be imposed.
School conversation with a WWII survivor
The two sides are also making recommendations to combat anti-Semitism outside the world of sport. For example, every child in school should hear a story about World War II at least once.
Segers and Ellian also want more deals with social media platforms to take tougher action against anti-Semitic statements. Furthermore, the National Coordinator for Combating Anti-Semitism should be tasked not only with dealing with incidents, but also with “loving” Jewish life.
