When reading such a wonderful article in the Jerusalem Post, someone from California had to post a comment disparaging the Dutch and its multi-cultural population. Throughout history the Dutch have had a liberal society. Wars have left deep scars, first of all during World War II and the German occupation from May 10, 1940 until liberation on May 5, 1945. Especially the Jewish community suffered as none could escape the fascists from deportation and liquidation in the German death camps. After 9/11 another upheaval took place in The Netherlands, the rise of racism, nationalism and Islamophobia. The politicus Geert Wilders as prime example. Unfortunately he is closely linked to and funded by the US right-wing community of Daniel Pipes, Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer. I was disturbed by the comment from Dr. Barry Friedberg from Newport Beach CA. Reference to The Third Jihad is another propaganda site of the Clarion Fund Inc. funded by Adelson or Koch [SourceWatch].
Wandering Jew: Amsterdam’s appeal
(JPost) – From the 17th century to the 20th century, Jewish immigrants enjoyed a golden age of prosperity in Amsterdam leading to the establishment of huge Jewish flea markets and glamorous cinemas. Of course, the 20th century is also when the story of a Jewish girl and her family, who hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam, became of worldwide interest and importance. Getting around the city is not difficult and there are some delicious kosher options to keep you going along the way.
Some of the first Jews to settle in Amsterdam were the Portuguese Jewish merchants who arrived in c1590. Over the centuries a thriving Jewish subculture emerged. The city is often referred to in Dutch as Mokum – a name given by Ashkenazi Jews – meaning a “place” or “safe haven.”
Start the day at 69 Sint Antoniebreestraat for a chance to see what life was like for the wealthy Portuguese Jews. Here stands the De Pinto House in the former Jewish quarter of the city; the de Pinto family were a well-known family of financiers, scholars and rabbis. Banker Isaac De Pinto, one of the families most prominent members, bought the house in 1651. Inside you’ll see the luxurious painted ceilings that make this Italian Renaissance-style property a piece of 17th century mastery.
