Dutch minister resigns following ‘anti-Semitic pogrom’
Nora Achahbar expressed her concerns regarding comments made by some colleagues about the rioters who targeted Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last week. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Nora Achahbar, the Netherlands' state secretary for benefits and customs, resigned late on Friday in response to language she deemed "racist" used by some colleagues regarding the rioters who attacked Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last week.
The violent incidents in the Dutch capital erupted last Thursday after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that these confrontations resulted in at least ten injuries, with local police stating that five people were hospitalized and 62 were arrested in relation to the unrest.
Israeli officials condemned the situation, labeling it a “pogrom” aimed at Jews.
While Israeli leaders quickly condemned the assault as an expression of anti-Semitism, Amsterdam authorities reported an event where a Palestinian flag was ripped down in the city center. Meanwhile, some social media users and media outlets, including Iranian sources, alleged that Israelis had been chanting anti-Arab slogans and burned a Palestinian flag in the time leading up to the match.
In a post on X on Friday, Achahbar noted that she had “asked His Majesty the King to grant me his resignation as State Secretary of this Cabinet.”
The Dutch government confirmed her resignation that same day, stating that monarch Willem-Alexander had relieved Achahbar of her responsibilities.
In her statement to parliament, Achahbar explained her decision, saying that the “polarizing interactions of the past weeks made such an impact on me that I am no longer able to effectively carry out my duties as deputy minister.” However, she refrained from detailing what had specifically influenced her feelings.
Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported that during a cabinet meeting on Monday focused on the rioting, tensions escalated, and Achahbar felt that “racist statements were made.” The state secretary, who is of Moroccan descent, reportedly expressed her objections to certain language employed by her colleagues.
After the attacks, Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence against Israeli fans as “unadulterated anti-Semitic violence” carried out by individuals “with a migration background,” according to AFP.
Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Freedom Party, part of the ruling coalition, suggested revoking the passports of those with dual nationality. Wilders, known for his hardline stance on immigration, accused Moroccans of provoking the riots.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
The violent incidents in the Dutch capital erupted last Thursday after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that these confrontations resulted in at least ten injuries, with local police stating that five people were hospitalized and 62 were arrested in relation to the unrest.
Israeli officials condemned the situation, labeling it a “pogrom” aimed at Jews.
While Israeli leaders quickly condemned the assault as an expression of anti-Semitism, Amsterdam authorities reported an event where a Palestinian flag was ripped down in the city center. Meanwhile, some social media users and media outlets, including Iranian sources, alleged that Israelis had been chanting anti-Arab slogans and burned a Palestinian flag in the time leading up to the match.
In a post on X on Friday, Achahbar noted that she had “asked His Majesty the King to grant me his resignation as State Secretary of this Cabinet.”
The Dutch government confirmed her resignation that same day, stating that monarch Willem-Alexander had relieved Achahbar of her responsibilities.
In her statement to parliament, Achahbar explained her decision, saying that the “polarizing interactions of the past weeks made such an impact on me that I am no longer able to effectively carry out my duties as deputy minister.” However, she refrained from detailing what had specifically influenced her feelings.
Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported that during a cabinet meeting on Monday focused on the rioting, tensions escalated, and Achahbar felt that “racist statements were made.” The state secretary, who is of Moroccan descent, reportedly expressed her objections to certain language employed by her colleagues.
After the attacks, Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence against Israeli fans as “unadulterated anti-Semitic violence” carried out by individuals “with a migration background,” according to AFP.
Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Freedom Party, part of the ruling coalition, suggested revoking the passports of those with dual nationality. Wilders, known for his hardline stance on immigration, accused Moroccans of provoking the riots.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
