Watch the solidarity action on Dam Square for Ukraine here. Mayor Femke Halsema, among others, gave a speech at the manifestation. The demonstration in Amsterdam was one of many demonstrations being held today in several European cities.
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Mayor Halsema started her speech by targeting the Ukrainians present. “Wherever you come from, whatever language you speak. We unite in shock and anger when we see the images from Ukraine. Together we applaud your strength and humanity. We are with you, who are on the side of Ukraine. “
“Two and a half million people have already had to flee from Putin’s army. Also at the moment, people are arriving here at the station”, the mayor then continues in Dutch. “Let us be strong here in this city, in this country, in Europe. And let us protect refugees. Just like the Russian people of Amsterdam, who belong to us.”
Two minutes of silence
In addition to Halsema’s speech, there was a program consisting of music and other speakers. For example, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Trijntje Oosterhuis and Dwight Dissels and the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra performed.
The other speakers were the refugee student Taisiia Kosenok, Honorary Consul for Ukraine in the Netherlands, Emiel de Sévrèn Jacquet, publisher of The Moscow Times Derk Sauer and city poet Marjolijn van Heemstra.
At the end of the demonstration, a two-minute silence was held for the situation in the Eastern European country and the country’s national anthem was sung by a well-known Ukrainian artist.
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Manifestation for Ukraine on Dam Square
Manifestation for Ukraine on Dam Square
Manifestation for Ukraine on Dam Square
Manifestation for Ukraine on Dam Square
Manifestation for Ukraine on Dam Square
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Full speech by Mayor Halsema:
Hello Amsterdam!
I want to welcome the members of the international community in Amsterdam, and especially Ukrainians. Both, Ukranians who already live in Amsterdam for a long time, and those who have just arrived. Forced to flee from Putins violence. Welcome! Today, we express our solidarity with you. In Amsterdam. And in Rotterdam, Arnhem and Tilburg. And also, in Rome, Florence, Vienna, Oslo, Marseille, Riga, Helsinki and many other European cities.
No matter where we are from, no matter what language we speak, we unite in shock and rage, when we see the images from Ukraine, filled with grief and pain. And together we salute you for your courage and your humanity. We stand with you! We stand with Ukraine today!
Hello Amsterdam!
Last week I spoke to Ukrainian people from Amsterdam. They don’t sleep anymore. Torn by worry. About their family and friends, the fate of their homeland. During the day they work with all their might to receive, help and support their compatriots. Two and a half million people have already had to flee from Putin’s army. Also at this time, people are arriving here at the station. Mothers pushing a pram in front of them, children overtired. Grandfathers and grandmothers, who had to leave their whole lives behind.
Let us be strong, here in this city, in this country, in Europe. Open our arms, even as we face an uncertain time. Even if we will feel the effects of the war. And let’s protect refugees. Just like the Russian Amsterdammers, who belong to us.
The Spanish poet Garcia Lorca once said, “The most terrible of all feelings is the feeling of dead hope.” So let’s offer hope. The hope that Europe will unite, that Europeans will stand shoulder to shoulder. The hope that the Ukrainian resistance, the heroes of Ukraine, is stronger and more courageous than the Russian army. The hope that humanity will eventually win over violence and oppression. Let us be hopeful that the Russian people will stop the despot Putin.
Let us be hopeful for the Ukrainian people. Let’s tell them that the tanks that surround Kyiv, the missiles that bombard Mairiupol and Kharkov, threaten the freedom of all of us. Let us speak out persistently and everywhere in Europe. In a language that everyone understands. Of democracy, of solidarity. Of resistance to aggression. The language of hope. From Stockholm to Seville, Tallinn to Turin, Assisi to Amsterdam! Ukrainians. We stand next to you! As long as necessary. Until Ukraine is safe, has peace. Until Ukraine is free!
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