Jetten condemns Star of David stickers at farmers’ protest

Prime Minister Rob Jetten has denounced the "disgusting act" of Farmers Defence Force handing out Star of David stickers at a farmers' protest in Den Bosch on Friday, according to Omroep Brabant. The stickers, depicting a Star of David on a red farmers' handkerchief, were intended to symbolize the unjust treatment farmers face. Jetten stated, "If you think you can make your point with this, I think you are only damaging your own cause."

The FDF leader, Mark van den Oever, defended the stickers, asserting they highlighted the injustice against farmers. When questioned about the appropriateness of the comparison to Nazi-era Jewish persecution, he maintained that revoking permits was also unjust. Van den Oever acknowledged the potential hurt caused by the stickers but argued that action groups must create controversy.

The Jewish organization CIDI labeled the comparison as "baseless and reprehensible." Former CIDI director Ronny Naftaniel, a former Central Jewish Council chairman, criticized the farmers for undermining their own position by using such a sensitive symbol. The farmers protested against the provincial executive's plan to revoke the nature permits of five poultry farms near protected areas, claiming it would force them out of business.

Following extensive debate, the executive decided to proceed with the plan, though a no-confidence motion against the executive member, Saskia Boelema, failed. Boelema claimed she had reached out to the farmers, who had been waiting eight months for a response. According to broadcaster NOS, Boelema's email to one farmer was sent two days before the debate.

The only motion passed called for the executive to meet with the farmers and consider alternative measures, like reducing animal numbers or relocating. A formal decision on the matter is expected on October 1. Tragically, two individuals died in a crash on the A59 during the protest, which saw a buildup of tractors as they headed to the demonstration.