Rituele dynamiek en rivaliteit: Kristallnachtherdenkingen in Amsterdam (1992-2019)

Abstract

Two different Kristallnacht commemorations are presently held in Amsterdam each year, in close proximity to one another and on the same day but organised by different groups. What is the reason for this? Why do people who wish to commemorate the terrible events of Kristallnacht not hold a joint annual remembrance ceremony? Does this division coincide with the boundaries between Jewish and Muslim communities? After introducing the theme, presenting the theoretical approach and describing the history of Kristallnacht commemoration in Amsterdam, this article analyses the growing discord between the two organizing groups. It relates this development to different goals, views and interests of these groups, their shifting societal positions, and to developments in the national and international context. We argue that the increasing discord does not stem so much from differences of religious ideas between the Jewish and Muslim communities, but rather from political differences of opinion that draw dividing lines within communities.