“I also understand their fear and worries, but if you allow one and not the other, you will cause a skewed sound,” says Rachel Meijler. In a truck with a replica tunnel, the Israeli travels through the Netherlands.
Amsterdam reports against activist who smeared National Monument on Dam Square
On Sunday Amsterdam is on the program for the fourth time. This time Meijler wanted to settle on Dam Square with the Hamastunnel, an art project that requires attention for the fate of the fifty Israeli hostages in Gaza. But no busy demonstrations are currently allowed there.
National monument daubing
The combination of fierce protests, scarce police capacity and nuisance for entrepreneurs is reason for the municipality to refer charged demonstrations. However, a Pro-Palestinian protest fought this ban on the judge and was right, so there was a protest on the square last Saturday. The National Monument was daubing.
Anger and sorrow among Amsterdammers for Daading National Monument: ‘Absolute lower limit has now been reached’
“If they are allowed, then I can also be there,” says Meijler. But her request to be on Dam Square was rejected again on Wednesday evening. On Thursday she was told that she can be on nearby Beursplein. Meijlers lawyer Herman Loonstein will challenge that decision in summary proceedings.
The installation on the Museumplein, during an earlier visit to Amsterdam. © Richard Mouw
According to Meijler, the municipality thus responds to the fear of counter -demonstrations. “A Pro-Palestinian demonstration has never had pro-Israeli counter-protesters. That is why it is so important that we are also allowed to stand on Dam Square. If the police cannot keep us safe there, why on the Beursplein?”
‘Families of hostages desperate’
She is not worried about nuisance for entrepreneurs. “We are an art exhibition, right?” According to Meijler, the replica of the Hama tunnel must start dialogue. “Please don’t stop talking, also to understand that there are still fifty civilians being stuck in tunnels in Gaza and their families are desperate,” she explains.
The Israeli artist Roni Levavi (left) and gallery owner Rachel Meijler (right). © Richard Mouw
According to the initiator, the only reason that her installation can be a ‘risky demonstration’ is because so many people are angry with Israel that ‘no normal middle noise’ can be shown. “In Israel, half a million people started demonstrating last week because they want an end to this misery.”
“In large black letters, it says on our truck: How do we get out of here? We also have the misery in Gaza in mind, it is not that we keep a one -sided story, “says Meijler.” I would find it very special if this were to do so on our demonstration. “
The municipality remains with the prohibition, which also applies to a second demonstration announced. “The risks for public order and safety and the fear of disorder are too great this Sunday,” the city reports. In addition to the aforementioned reasons, the hustle and bustle of SAIL and Ajax’s home game also play a role.