Urk, the picturesque Dutch town known for its pro-Palestinian leanings, made a striking gesture of support for Israel. Christian residents of the town posed for photos in front of their homes decorated with Israeli flags.
Devout Christians Support Israel
Urk is a town in central Netherlands whose economy is primarily based on fishing. The town is known for being pro-Israel. This is not the first time Urk has expressed its support for Israel; back in 2021, during Operation Guardian of the Walls, the town’s devout Christian residents raised Israeli flags as well.
The Netherlands’ Approach to Israel
The Netherlands is steadily growing closer to Israel. In February of this year, the Dutch parliament canceled an invitation to UN envoy to Judea and Samaria Francesca Albanese, who was scheduled to speak at the House of Representatives about the situation in Gaza. With this move, the Netherlands sent a strong message about its stance toward the UN and its treatment of Israel.
Also, last year, a mass demonstration was held in Amsterdam against the backdrop of rising antisemitism in Europe. “For many Jews in the Netherlands, walking with a kippah in public or expressing their identity has become a risk,” said Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs, Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands, at the time. “This should not be the reality in a country that prides itself on tolerance and freedom.”
