On October 7, 2024, exactly one year after the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, about 2,000 people gathered in the serene town of Barneveld in the Netherlands to honor the memory of those lost. The memorial event, organized by Christians for Israel, saw Dutch Christians standing with Israel and the Jewish people in a moment of deep reflection and hope.
Organizers said, "Though none of the participants were Jewish or Israeli, the sense of shared humanity was palpable. Attendees waited for hours to take part in this special event, their presence a clear expression of support for Israel."
Frank van Oordt, CEO of Christians for Israel, spoke about the deep connection that has formed between Dutch Christians and Israel.
"These 2,000 people here today are just a small part of the more than 60,000 members we have across the Netherlands," van Oordt said. "We are here not only to mourn but to express hope—hope that even in the most difficult of times, love and solidarity can overcome hatred and violence."
Rev. Frank Heikoop, Chairman of Christians for Israel, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the movement’s unwavering commitment to supporting Israel. "We stood here today, as we have stood for years, united in our belief that Israel deserves our support not just in words but in action. This gathering shows the deep bond that exists between our nations," rev. Heikoop said.
One of the most moving moments of the event occurred when the Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands, Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs, took the stage. In a powerful speech, Rabbi Jacobs addressed the growing tide of anti-Zionism and emphasized, "Anti-Zionism is antisemitism." His words resonated deeply with the crowd, underscoring the ongoing struggles faced by Israel and the Jewish people.
To close his speech, Rabbi Jacobs led the crowd in singing the well-known song Am Yisrael Chai, a powerful and emotional moment as hundreds of voices rose together in support of the Jewish people and the state of Israel.
The meeting also included heartfelt prayers, emotional speeches, and moments of silence that deeply moved the crowd. Some attendees, touched by the stories shared, shed quiet tears, while others joined hands in silent unity. The event was not just about remembering those who were lost; it was about expressing an unyielding commitment to standing with Israel through times of pain and loss.
Frank van Oordt emphasized that the memorial was a natural continuation of the long-standing relationship between Christians for Israel and the Jewish people. "Our movement is about more than just words," he explained. "It’s about standing alongside our Jewish brothers and sisters when they need us most."
Earlier that week, another significant event took place in Amsterdam's Dam Square, where thousands more gathered to show their solidarity with Israel. The demonstration drew a much larger crowd, filling the iconic square with people of all ages who stood in support of Israel and the Jewish community. The atmosphere in Amsterdam echoed the same message of unity and shared humanity, underscoring the powerful bond between Dutch Christians and Israel.
The setting of Barneveld, with its rich history and tranquil surroundings, became a place of solace for the day, as people from across the Netherlands came together. One participant, a middle-aged man named Johan, shared his thoughts on why he felt compelled to attend: "We are not Jewish, but the pain of Israel touches all of us. We came here today to show that no matter what, Israel will never stand alone."
This sentiment was echoed throughout the event, as many participants expressed a deep sense of kinship with Israel. Although the October 7th attacks took place far from Dutch soil, their impact reverberated deeply, bringing these 2,000 individuals together in shared grief and determination.
The event concluded with a powerful prayer for peace, and as the crowd began to disperse, the feeling of unity lingered. Frank van Oordt’s closing words summed up the purpose of the gathering: "Our love and support for Israel are boundless. We stood together today as a testament to the power of friendship and faith, and we will continue to do so in the days to come."
Roger van Oordt, honorary consul of Israel added, "This was not just an event—it's a movement, a continuous effort to strengthen the ties between our communities. We will always stand with Israel, in sorrow and in hope, as friends, as family."
The memorial in Barneveld was more than just a commemoration; it was a call for hope, a reminder that even in times of darkness, the light of human compassion can guide us forward. For those who attended, the event was a powerful affirmation that the connection between Israel and its friends in the Netherlands remains as strong as ever.