'Higher education must stand up for Jewish students and staff'

The protests against Israel's attacks against Gaza that have taken place in higher education have led to a different climate for Jewish students and staff, according to a report by a government task force dedicated to combating anti-Semitism.

Some of the pro-Gaza demonstrations and occupations at Dutch universities were accompanied by violence, vandalism, threats and also anti-Semitic or quasi-anti-Semitic slogans, which led the Dick Schoof cabinet to set up a task force on anti-Semitism.

"Anti-Semitism is on the rise in the Netherlands," the task force writes in a report, which also covers protests and security at train stations. "Jews have increasingly felt unsafe in our society."

Prominent figures
The task force includes several prominent administrators and politicians, such as NS boss Wouter Koolmees, who was appointed as an explorer after the elections. This committee was tasked with addressing not only higher education but also the safety of train stations.

Maastricht University President Rianne Letschert also served on the committee until she became an informateur, after which she was replaced by former Utrecht University Rector Henk Kummeling. Other members include Chanan Hertzberger of the Central Jewish Council and the national coordinator for combating anti-Semitism, Eddo Verdoner. The committee is chaired by Jaap Smit, former King's Commissioner in South Holland.

Negative associations
The committee members must address anti-Semitism and protest it. However, according to the report, they do not want to give the impression that they associate pro-Gaza protests with anti-Semitism. "A concurrent task force focused on anti-Semitism in the United States did have the same starting point."

Due to the "confusion and negative associations caused by its name," the members say that some people were reluctant to engage with the task force. This resistance may also stem from the entity that set up the task force: the cabinet, which included the far-right party PVV. 

Distressing testimonies
Nevertheless, over 120 people were interviewed. Jewish students said that they are constantly asked what they think about Gaza and are quickly deemed guilty by association if they remain neutral. Someof them were called child murderers or zionists, and posters of Jewish student associations have been vandalised.

The task force feels that some demonstrators like to push the envelope and use slogans that act as a “dog whistle” for anti-Semitism. Slogans such as “Get rid of the Zionist Scum” or “Zionists are not welcome here” often make Jewish students feel “that they are not welcome or wanted”. The interviewees have the impression that Gaza sympathisers unconsciously adopt veiled anti-Semitic rhetoric, without knowing the impact this has on Jews.

Jewish people working at higher education institutions shared similar stories. "The task force heard several harrowing testimonies, such as being rejected at the lunch table or no longer being involved in team activities."

Stopped studying
This situation has consequences. For example, some students conceal or deny that they are Jewish. Some of them stopped going to campus altogether, while others dropped out of their programmes. Some Jewish employees also remain silent, especially if they are on a temporary contract and therefore afraid of losing their jobs.

The task force (which includes former university administrators such as Kummeling) expresses its appreciation for administrators and enforcers, "who have to make the right decisions in such a complex situation, sometimes with consequences for their own safety."

Higher education institutions, mayors, the police and the Public Prosecution Service are still struggling to prevent "excesses and insecurity," according to the task force. "Jews are still being approached and intimidated in an undesirable manner, both during lectures, outside of lectures and online."

Multiple recommendations
The task force recommends that universities and universities of applied sciences stand up for Jewish students and staff more clearly, more often and more publicly. Confidential advisors could benefit from training in recognising anti-Semitism, and the task force believes they should share expertise within a national network.

There are more recommendations, including on physical safety. The task force believes that disciplinary measures and codes of conduct could be used to address students and staff who frequently undermine social safety. In their view, administrators should identify all legal frameworks and administrative powers.

Furthermore, educational institutions could roll out local campaigns against discrimination and hatred, "which would explicitly include anti-Semitism". Studium Generale could also disseminate knowledge about Jews and Judaism.

As for the cabinet, the task force states that it must provide "financial, policy and legal support" for the implementation of such policies.