Geert Wilders, the leader of the majority party in the Dutch coalition and one of the dominant politicians in the country, received yesterday (Monday) the Ze’ev Jabotinsky Freedom, Friendship, and Support for Israel Prize at an impressive ceremony held in his honor in the Knesset, led by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Ministers Amichai Shikli and Gila Gamliel, Head of the Shomron Council, Yossi Dagan, and others. The prize was awarded to Wilders, in light of his steadfast support for Israel throughout the war, from the Hamas attack on October 7 until the riots that occurred against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam a few weeks ago.
Freedom Prize to Geert Wilders: ‘This is the time to support Israel’ (Credit: Knesset Spokesperson)
Wilders delivered a few words at the ceremony: “This is not the time to be silent, this is the time to support Israel. After October 7, the world was in deep shock. Unfortunately, only for a short time. After that, too many countries, politicians, and institutions like the UN and the International Criminal Court began to attack Israel and its citizens. You deserve our full support in the war against the forces of terror, Hamas, Jihad, Hezbollah, and Iran. As I have always said, if Israel falls to the forces of evil, the West will be next. I will always owe you for what you have given me, and this is the best example ever of patriotism and courage… Thank you, and the people of Israel live.” Wilders said the last words of his speech in Hebrew.
Speaker Amir Ohana said: “This award is a fitting tribute to a person who has long embodied the courage and determination of Jabotinsky. Geert has consistently supported our right to live in security and defend ourselves, and has clearly opposed the antisemitic violence sweeping Europe.”
Yossi Dagan, Head of the Shomron Council, with whom Wilders toured the seam line shortly before the event, also delivered a few words: “I thank a true friend and true partner of the State of Israel, Geert Wilders. Your support is an important reminder of our unity, and of the deep solidarity, we are together… After October 7 we know better than ever, it is our duty to stand together against the common enemy. Europe and Israel must fight together, only together will we win! I told my colleagues in the European Parliament, Can a Jew be an occupier in Judea? This war is about justice, about the Truth. If we work together, we will win.”
