A heated debate erupted in the Dutch Parliament today (Wednesday) as lawmakers confronted last week's anti-Semitic pogrom in Amsterdam. Right-wing leader Geert Wilders called for Mayor Femke Halsema's resignation, leading to a controversial exchange that has inflamed tensions further.
"The rioters who hunted Jews weren't Swedes - they were mostly Muslims, Moroccans. This was a pogrom of the worst kind," Wilders declared. "It makes me sick. How the hell did our country become one that persecutes Jews? Our society needs politicians who will speak the truth."
However, DENK party member Stephan van Baarle sparked outrage with his response: "Where was Mr. Wilders when Maccabi fans shouted 'F*** the Arabs'? Where was Mr. Wilders when Maccabi fans burned Palestinian flags? I don't see him calling Maccabi Tel Aviv fans' behavior Palestinian persecution."
Caroline van der Plas criticized Muslim leadership's silence: "Where are the Islamic organization leaders in mosques, denouncing this behavior by young men? We haven't heard anything from them. They need to speak up and condemn this."
D66 party member Rob Jetten attempted to bring perspective: "The wave of anti-Semitism in Holland is shocking. Yes, some Maccabi fans behaved inappropriately. But one inappropriate behavior cannot be an excuse for another violent and ugly response."
Channel 12 contributed to this article.
