Amsterdam Commemorates February Strike Amidst Controversy Over Speaker Selection

Amsterdam marked the 85th anniversary of the February Strike on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, a pivotal moment of resistance during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The commemoration, however, was shadowed by controversy surrounding the inclusion of Jerry Afriyie, an anti-zionist activist, as a speaker.

The Historical Significance of the February Strike

The February Strike of 1941 (Dutch: Februaristaking) was a general strike organized by the outlawed Communist Party of the Netherlands in response to Nazi persecution of Dutch Jews. It began on February 25, 1941, following a series of arrests and pogroms in Amsterdam’s Jewish neighborhood, the Jodenbuurt, and quickly spread to other cities including Haarlem, Utrecht, and Hilversum. Approximately 300,000 people participated in the two-day strike, representing a significant act of defiance against the German occupiers [1].

Current Commemoration and Controversy

This year’s commemoration, held at the Dokwerker memorial, featured speeches from Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Rutger Groot Wassink, Jaïr Stranders, and Jerry Afriyie. Groot Wassink linked the historical protest to contemporary struggles against fascism and intolerance, emphasizing the importance of standing with those in need [3].

However, Afriyie’s participation sparked criticism, particularly from within Jewish circles. The Centraal Joods Overleg (CJO) had requested the committee Herdenking Februaristaking to select a different keynote speaker, citing Afriyie’s past remarks [4]. Former CIDI director Ronny Naftaniel described the decision to invite Afriyie as “an insult to the strikers from 85 years ago” [3].

Afriyie’s Background and Previous Controversies

Jerry Afriyie is known for his activism with Kick Out Zwart Piet (KOZP), an organization that campaigned against the traditional Dutch character of Black Pete. The slogan ‘Kick Out Zionists’ later emerged within the movement [1]. He was identified by the organizing committee as a ‘journalist’ [1].

Previous commemorations of the February Strike have too faced controversy. In 2024, Tofik Dibi, a BIJ1 list leader, was removed from the speakers list for the FNV commemoration due to past controversial statements and complaints of antisemitism [1].

A Legacy of Resistance

The February Strike remains a powerful symbol of Dutch resistance during World War II. In 1946, Queen Wilhelmina honored Amsterdam with the motto: “heroic, resolute, and compassionate” in recognition of the city’s courage during the strike [3]. The commemoration serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the occupation and the ongoing need to combat intolerance and fascism.