On November 9, European leaders invoked Kristallnacht to condemn antisemitism and reaffirm the idea of “Never Again.”German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized historical responsibility, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier acknowledged attacks on Jews, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten urged Jews to stay, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warned against importing international conflicts.But do their promises reflect European Jews' reality?During his Amsterdam speech, Jetten said: “The horror of Kristallnacht as an antisemitic outburst of violence is not unique from a historical point of view.”He compared 1938 with October 7, warning that “anti-Jewish feelings are once again rekindled by social divisions in our country.”“There is no excuse whatsoever for threats and violence against synagogues, against Jewish schools and restaurants, or against Dutch Jews who do not want to hide their identity,” he said.Addressing Jews considering leaving the Netherlands, he urged them, “Don't give in to it; this is your home.”Jetten cited security funding and efforts to support visible Jewish life. He added that he put a Mezuzah on his own door “To show that I want to be prime minister of a country in which Jewish life is visible.”Nevertheless, antisemitism remains widespread. Police registered 867 antisemitic incidents in 2025, down from 880 in 2024, including over 400 targeting perceived Jewish individuals or institutions.Dutch Jews disproportionately affected by discrimination despite small populationAntisemitism coordinator Eddo…
Europe remembers Kristallnacht, but are its leaders failing today's Jews? - analysis
European leaders marked Kristallnacht with pledges to fight antisemitism, but Jewish communities in Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway continue to face threats and insecurity.
In brief
On November 9, European leaders invoked Kristallnacht to condemn antisemitism and reaffirm the idea of “Never Again.”German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized historical responsibility, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier acknowledged attacks on Jews, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten urged Jews to stay, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warned against importing international conflicts.But do their promises reflect European Jews' reality?During his Amsterdam speech, Jetten said: “The horror of Kristallnacht as an antisemitic outburst of violence is not unique from a historical point of view.”He compared 1938 with October 7, warning that “anti-Jewish feelings are once again rekin…
This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to The Jerusalem Post. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.
Continue reading at The Jerusalem Post ↗