At a moving ceremony in Steenwijk yesterday, 30 individuals were posthumously awarded the Righteous Among the Nations distinction by Yad Vashem. ​During WWII, they risked everything to rescue Jews from the Nazi regime. We honor their incredible courage and unwavering moral compass.

De Telegraaf published an excellent piece on last week's deeply moving concert. The incredible performance by Shalva's talented artists captivated the entire audience.

In the midst of a difficult week in the Netherlands, I had the joy of attending a truly moving performance by the Shalva Band in Aalsmeer. These remarkable musicians remind us that when people stand together and believe in one another, no challenge is too great. Every song carried so much warmth, courage, and pure joy. I looked around the room and saw it on every face: we were all deeply touched and inspired. Thank you, Shalva, for sharing your beautiful gift with us. ❤️

Bravo to the Mayor of Alkmaar. A handful of Israeli fans were barred from the Hapoel Be'er Sheva match today under the guise of "security risks," yet a mob waving signs (in Hebrew) reading "Go Hamas" was allowed right in. ​Hamas is a designated terrorist organization in the Netherlands - the same group responsible for the October 7 atrocities against civilians, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. ​Something is deeply broken in the Netherlands.

According to Minister David van Weel, mayors can prohibit face coverings at protests. ​Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema chose not to—letting people glorifying terror cover their faces without consequences. ​Why is local leadership protecting extremist anonymity over public safety?

No matter how many times you are called upon to perform this duty, there is always something special and uplifting about this democratic moment. ​Israeli diplomats around the world are casting their ballots today, ahead of the national vote in Israel on October 27th."

In a conversation with me, mayor of Alkmaar @Amcgschouten refused to even consider letting just 150 Hapoel Beer Sheva supporters attend a football match in her city. But she does use her powers to facilitate anti-Israel demonstrations. It look quite clear the mayor does not genuinely care about security, but about an activist agenda that is anti-Israeli or maybe even worse. Disgraceful behaviour!

It seems there are no limits in Amsterdam: everything is allowed when it comes to glorifying internationally recognised terror groups. This free fall of society won't stop unless action is taken. But the Dutch authorities do nothing. How will this end for the Netherlands? Don't say you were not forewarned ❗❗

We refuse to forget and in fact we are unable to forget!

Tonight we commemorated 7 October together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen, Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz, Minister of Education Rianne Letschert and other dignitaries. The testimonies of Batia Holin and her daughter Rotem deeply moved everyone in the room. On this day of national mourning, we choose to remember: To keep human faces in the face of dehumanization. To honour private grief in the face of the collective vilification aimed at us as a nation. To insist on the truth in the face of an orchestrated campaign to create a fictitious history, even here, in cities across the Netherlands.

Thank you dear Ms. Bikker

Three years ago, on that terrible day, 1,200 innocent Israelis were murdered and 250 were abducted into Hamas’ tunnels, where they were held in inhumane conditions. The horrific stories and images from that day - almost impossible to comprehend - will stay with us forever. We are grateful to our friends and allies for their words and solidarity. Sadly, even on this tragic day for Israel and the Jewish people, some politicians, including senior figures, have chosen to equate Hamas’ atrocities with the just war Israel was forced to fight in self-defence, while repeating blatant lies about Israel. The political eagerness to please the most extreme voices, at the expense of every basic moral value, is disgraceful. There are moments when leadership and conscience must prevail. This distortion of reality deserves the strongest condemnation.

Something deeply concerning is happening in the Netherlands. A nation that once prided itself on openness and acceptance is now increasingly drawing inspiration from some of its darkest historical periods. Strong, decisive leadership at the highest levels is urgently needed to put an end to this harassment.