In a powerful address at a Holocaust memorial event, Amsterdam's Mayor Femke Halsema apologized for the city's failures during the Holocaust. Over 60,000 Jewish residents were deported and murdered during WWII, and Halsema stated, "Amsterdam's government was not heroic, not determined, and not merciful. It horribly abandoned its Jewish residents." This speech marks a significant step in acknowledging a dark period of history.
The city had around 80,000 Jewish residents before the war, but collaboration with the Nazis led to the tragic loss of countless lives. Halsema explained that local officials not only failed to protect their citizens but actively aided in their deportation. This recognition serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers of intolerance and indifference.
