Amsterdam‘s ‘De Vonk’ Faction Kicks Off New Year with Party Launch, Sparks Controversy with Invited Speaker
Amsterdam’s local political faction, De Vonk, is rounding off the new year with an event to launch their new party, themed around ‘solidarity, a free Palestine, and the fight against capitalism’. The event has, however, sparked controversy with the invitation of one of its speakers, Mohammed Khatib, the European coordinator of Samidoun.
De Vonk, led by council members Jazie Veldhuyzen and Nilab Ahmadi, split from Bij1 in 2023 and have since operated under their new name. Khatib, among other speakers, is expected to address the event.
Khatib, who was scheduled to speak at Radboud University in Nijmegen last October, has been deemed persona non grata by Dutch ministers Marjolein Faber and David van Weel. The ministers cited Khatib’s support for organizations labeled as terrorist, advocating for the release of prisoners, and allegedly glorifying violence. Khatib contests these claims, arguing that he fights against discriminatory censorship and racial profiling. The court’s decision on Khatib’s entry ban is pending, with a ruling expected by January 13.
De Vonk maintains that Khatib’s views are not extremist, stating, "In contrast to the statements of our own minister," in a written response to AT5. The faction also supports Khatib’s legal challenge against the entry ban.
Not everyone shares De Vonk‘s enthusiasm for Khatib’s presence. Itay Garmy of Volt tweeted, "You invite someone who glorifies violence against innocent civilians, sees all Israelis as targets, and wants to eliminate Israel. And you claim to stand for inclusivity and social safety? Apart from Israelis, it seems." Daan Wijnants of the VVD described the invitation as ‘untenable’, demanding that the invite be rescinded. The CIDI (Centre for Information and Documentation on Israel) expressed hope that Khatib’s entry ban would stand, preventing him from "spreading more hate".
The event promises to be a heated affair, with supporters of Palestine’s rights clashing with those critical of Khatib’s presence. The city awaits the court’s ruling to see if Khatib will indeed physically attend the event.