Israeli President Herzog inaugurates Holocaust memorial in Amsterdam amidst demonstrations

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was present at the inauguration of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam last Sunday. Nearby, there were protests by pro-Palestinian groups urging for a quick end to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The demonstrators were heard chanting phrases like "Never again is now" and "Ceasefire now" at a square near the museum. They were holding Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as "Jews against genocide" and "The grandchild of a holocaust survivor says: Stop Gaza Holocaust."

Health officials in Gaza report that more than 31,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since Israel began its offensive in retaliation to an attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel on Oct. 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and 253 individuals being taken hostage, as per Israeli records.

In an effort to guide Herzog to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, human rights organization Amnesty International placed detour signs around the museum.

A spokesperson for the president declined comment.

Demonstrators protest against Israel's President Isaac Herzog attending the opening of the new National Holocaust Museum.

Demonstrators protest against Israel's President Isaac Herzog attending the opening of the new National Holocaust Museum.

Peter Djeong/AP

People protested with signs and Palestinian flags near the museum.

People protested with signs and Palestinian flags near the museum.

Dutch Jewish anti-zionist organization Erev Rave, along with the Dutch Palestinian Community and Socialists International, organized a protest. They explained that they respect the memory of Holocaust victims but could not stay silent while the war in Gaza persisted.

Israel has been emphasizing that it did not initiate the war and is working to reduce civilian casualties, placing the blame on Hamas for engaging in conflict in heavily populated regions.

South Africa has referenced statements made by Herzog in its lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Herzog has stated that not just militants, but the entire nation, bears responsibility for the October 7 attack, and Israel is committed to fighting until the enemy's strength is broken.

Herzog clarified that his comments were misunderstood and only a portion of his statement was used to portray Israel negatively in the ICJ. The ICJ advised Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, but did not specifically call for an immediate ceasefire.

Before serving as president, Herzog led Israel's Labor party, known for its efforts in promoting peace with Palestinians. The role of president is mostly ceremonial in nature.

The museum informed the media that they had invited Herzog before the Hamas attack and Israel's offensive in Gaza. In a statement, they acknowledged that Herzog's presence raised concerns, but emphasized that he was representing the Dutch Holocaust survivors who had resettled in Israel.

Nazi Germany killed six million Jews during World War Two.

Modern Israel was founded in 1948 as a safe haven for Jews.

Editor's P/S:

The opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam was a poignant reminder of the horrors of the past, yet it