A demonstration against polarization in society took place on the Stadsplein in Amstelveen yesterday afternoon. The initiators, who acted anonymously, hope to combat what they believe are growing divisions in Amstelveen and the rest of the country.
Several dozen people had gathered next to the ice rink on the Town Square. There were poems recited and short speeches, but the main intention was that attendees could talk to each other about whatever they wanted.
That conversation is exactly what is lacking, says Jashin Baroud, founder of youth organization Future Face. He was asked by the organisers, according to him ‘concerned Amstelveners’, to open the meeting. “They care about unity, about involvement. As people, we all have our dreams, wishes, fears and problems. If we could talk to each other in a positive way, the world would be a bit more beautiful. “
‘Keep talking’
That idea is confirmed by the people who attended the event. Two colleagues feel strengthened by what they hear from the people around them: “It is a reassuring thought that there are quite a few people who also find it important to keep talking to each other, no matter how big the differences may be. also be.”
The theme of ‘social division’ has become increasingly known in recent years. But certainly in recent weeks, after the House of Representatives elections, the discussion on the subject has flared up again.
Baroud also recognizes this, but he sees a lesson in it: “If there is one conclusion to be drawn from the election results, it is that a large part of Dutch people do not feel heard, regardless of whether you agree with certain views or not. If, for example through these types of events, we offer people a safe environment in which they can express their concerns without prejudice, then you will be much less alienated from each other.”
The upcoming city poet of Amstelveen, Nikki Szofia, also hopes that these meetings could bring more people into contact with each other. “It’s easy to lose hope when you see what’s happening in the world, but that’s why we have to keep fighting with love right now, because that’s the only way to preserve your humanity.”
Safety concerns
There were some concerns in advance from the municipal council about the event. Councilor Gonnie van Rietschoten (Active for Amstelveen) wondered, among other things, whether the municipality had granted a permit, whether the safety of the environment could be guaranteed and whether action would be taken if the message ‘went beyond that of inclusivity. ‘
In response to the councilor’s questions, the municipality emphasized that the meeting fell under the right to demonstrate and therefore no permit was required. The municipality was informed in advance of the event.
At the beginning of the meeting, the police also came to briefly assess the situation, which is usual, but they quickly concluded that the approximately thirty people with electric tea lights did not pose a threat to public order.