The Netherlands Archives - The European Legal Support Center (ELSC)

A complaint against Dutch border police officers for holding two people at Schiphol Airport over a “Free Palestine” sign in their car

10/06/202510/24/2025

On 28 May 2025, Hakima took her neighbour Hichem to the airport for the latter’s holiday. In the Kiss & Ride zone, they were stopped by multiple border police officers (officers of the Koninklijke Marechaussee), who questioned both Hakima and Hichem about the sign Hakima had in her car. Their IDs were seized, the officers registered the contents of the car, and one of them reported this to a colleague over the phone. All in all, they were held for almost an hour.

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Dutch Government Proposes Bill Aimed at Suppressing Opposition to its Complicity in the Genocide: ELSC Sends Objection, Encourages Others to Speak Out

08/15/202509/04/2025

The Dutch government has proposed a new bill primarily aimed at suppressing opposition to its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. The law proposal, submitted by the (outgoing) cabinet, would criminalise the so-called “glorification of terrorism” and “public support for terrorist organisations”. The bill deliberately lacks clear definitions of what would constitute a punishable offence, allowing it to be used to prosecute people who oppose government policy. Given the government’s unconditional support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza, even symbolic expressions of solidarity such as a watermelon could potentially be prosecuted as “glorification of terrorism” under this vague law.

Press Release

Save the date: Appeal Hearing on Dutch State’s Role in Facilitating Israel’s Genocide and Illegal Occupation

07/28/202508/05/2025

Ten Palestinian and Dutch organisations will appeal a landmark case against the Dutch State on 3 September 2025 in The Hague. They demand an end to Dutch exports supporting Israel’s occupation and war crimes in Palestine, arguing the State fails to uphold international law and prevent genocide. Media are invited to attend the hearing.

Press Release

Employees teaching about colonialism and genocide intimidated, stalked, harassed: TU Delft condones Zionist violence to silence truth about Palestine

05/09/202505/19/2025

Despite months of Zionist harassment, intimidation, and institutional neglect, TU Delft’s master’s course Architecture and Colonialism concludes with a student exhibition opening 6 May. Organised by BK Scholars for Palestine, the course exposed the colonial roots of architecture in Palestine and confronted the university’s complicity in Israeli war crimes—an effort met with smear campaigns and stalking of its Palestinian lead lecturer, Dr Nama’a Qudah.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2025

04/04/202504/14/2025

In March 2025, ELSC defended students’ protest rights in the UK, challenged workplace repression in Germany, and supported legal action in Italy and beyond. From major court rulings to FOI campaigns and new resources for activists, this issue highlights key wins and ways to keep mobilising for Palestinian rights across Europe.

Press Release

Coalition Appeals Dutch Court Ruling for Failure to Uphold Obligations Under International Law 

03/25/2025

In a single night of attacks last week Tuesday, more than 400 Palestinians were killed as Israeli air raids struck residential areas while people slept, intensifying the systematic destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian lives.

ELSC Newsletter: February 2025

03/07/202504/14/2025

In February 2025, ELSC secured a final victory in the Speakap discrimination case, challenged anti-Palestinian repression in Germany and Austria, and spotlighted student rights in Britain. This issue also covers urgent updates on state repression, solidarity events, media coverage, and new resources to defend Palestine advocacy across Europe.

Press Release

Dutch Labour Court confirms: Firing of Palestinian employee by Dutch company over solidarity with Palestinian resistance was discriminatory, large compensation is due

02/14/202504/11/2025

This press release is available in English, Dutch, and Arabic. Scroll down for different language versions. AMSTERDAM, 12 FEBRUARY 2025 – Palestinian employee Nouraldin Alsweirki has won a landmark legal victory over his former employer, Dutch software company Speakap B.V., which fired him in October 2023 over LinkedIn posts in which he supported the right…

Press Release

Palestinian from Gaza Challenges the Netherlands at European Human Rights Court for Shielding Israeli Officials from War Crimes Accountability

02/12/2025

Joint Press Release The Hague, 7 February 2025 On 12 February, Ismail Ziada, a Dutch-Palestinian citizen, will submit a response to the Dutch government at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), challenging the Netherlands’ decision to grant immunity to Israeli officials accused of war crimes. Ziada contends that this ruling denied his fundamental right to…

ELSC Newsletter: January 2025

02/10/202504/14/2025

In January 2025, ELSC launched major legal actions across Europe, including a corporate complaint against Axel Springer and new evidence against Booking.com. From legal wins in Milan to school repression in Berlin, we continue defending the Palestine solidarity movement. Read the latest updates, resources, and how you can join the fight.

Case Update

Additional Evidence Filed Against Booking.com for Profiting from Illegal Settlements

01/15/202504/14/2025

Civil society groups submit new evidence in their case against Booking.com, exposing its role in laundering profits from illegal Israeli settlements. The company’s expansion deepens displacement, violating international law. Urgent intervention is needed.

ELSC Newsletter: November 2024

12/20/202404/14/2025

In November 2024, ELSC secured key legal victories, including Dana Abu Qamar’s tribunal win and Shahd Abusalama’s settlement. We advanced our genocide case against the Dutch state and supported student protests and legal action in Germany and Italy. Read about our community events, legal updates, and vital resources for organisers.

Press Release

Dutch Court Fails to Enforce State’s Obligations to Prevent Genocide and Address Ties to Illegal Occupation

12/13/2024

Joint press release – Amsterdam, 13 December 2024 Today, the District Court of The Hague delivered its ruling in the lawsuit filed by a coalition of Palestinian and Dutch civil society organisations against the Dutch State. The case called for the enforcement of measures to align Dutch policies with international law, particularly regarding arms exports…

Statement

Solidarity with Amsterdammers Standing Up Against Genocide and State Repression

11/18/202404/11/2025

We at the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) stand in solidarity with the people in Amsterdam standing up against the genocide perpetrators, supporters, and vicious police force unleashed on our streets over the past weeks.

ELSC Newsletter: October 2024

10/29/202404/14/2025

In October 2024, ELSC filed a major lawsuit against the Dutch state for complicity in genocide, secured a legal win for Dr. Shahd Abusalama, and supported protests and repression cases across Europe. Read about our legal updates, solidarity actions, student wins, and how you can support the fight for Palestinian justice.

Press Release

BREAKING – Dutch and Palestinian NGOs sue Dutch state for failing to prevent genocide in Gaza and to ensure Israel respects international law

10/10/202404/11/2025

A coalition of Palestinian and Dutch civil society organisations are suing the Dutch state for failing to prevent genocide in Gaza and other Israeli violations of international law. The coalition’s main requests to the Dutch civil court include a ban on the export and transit of weapons, weapon parts, and dual-use items to Israel as…

ELSC Newsletter: September 2024

09/20/202404/14/2025

Dear Friend, In the past month, we’ve fought some crucial battles and secured a number of legal victories, which we bring to you in this month’s newsletter, along with some useful resources to continue mobilising for Palestine. CASE UPDATES BDS Austria: we’re going to the Supreme Court! Do you remember our case supporting BDS Austria against…

Jobs

Call for Applications: Senior Lawyer for the Netherlands

09/20/202404/14/2025

ELSC seeks a qualified Dutch lawyer to support the Palestine solidarity movement through legal advice, research, and strategic litigation. Based in Amsterdam, this full-time role involves defending fundamental freedoms, protest rights, and civic space, working closely with clients, partners, and Dutch legal networks. Apply by 7 October 2024.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Advocacy Officer – Strategic Litigation

09/16/202404/14/2025

ELSC is hiring an Advocacy Officer to support public outreach on strategic litigation cases, including defunding, de-risking, and corporate complicity. Based in Europe, this role involves campaign building, media work, and coalition engagement for Palestinian rights. Full-time with flexible working. Apply by 1 October 2024.

ELSC Newsletter: August 2024

09/11/202404/14/2025

In August 2024, ELSC supported landmark legal victories against repression—from fighting criminalisation of slogans in Germany to defending students and lecturers in the UK. This newsletter includes major case updates, strategic wins, and tools to push back against silencing tactics. Explore new resources and learn how to support ongoing legal actions.

ELSC Newsletter: July 2024

08/01/202404/14/2025

In July 2024, ELSC celebrated key victories in the Netherlands, Britain, and across Europe—supporting students, workers, and activists facing repression. This newsletter highlights legal wins, updates on strategic cases, new resources for the movement, and events from Berlin to Milan. Stay informed and mobilised for Palestinian rights.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Advocacy and Communication Officer for The Netherlands & Strategic Litigation

07/08/202404/14/2025

ELSC is hiring an Advocacy & Communication Officer in Amsterdam to lead outreach on legal cases in the Netherlands and Europe. The role includes campaign-building, coalition work, and media engagement on strategic litigation and de-risking cases. Bilingual in Dutch and English required. Apply by 18 July 2024. Interviews ongoing.

Case Update

Dutch Human Rights Board: Firing of IT Specialist from Gaza who Condemned Israel’s Crimes was Discrimination

06/18/202404/14/2025

PRESS RELEASE – DUTCH BELOW Amsterdam, 18 June 2024 On June 11, 2024, the Human Rights Board, a state-sanctioned institution in the Netherlands that rules on discrimination cases, ruled that Dutch software company Speakap B.V. discriminated on the basis of political affiliation when it fired N.A. for posts on LinkedIn condemning Israel for committing genocide and…

New Website With Overview of Ties Between Dutch Universities and Israel

Access the website here: https://academiccomplicity.nl DUTCH VERSION BELOW Joint Press Release by European Legal Support Center (ELSC), Stop Arms Trade, Solid Sustainability Research, The Rights Forum – Amsterdam, 7 June 2024 Relations with Israel’s military-industrial complex and Israeli human rights violations underline demands from actions at universities Today, civil society organisations Stop Arms Trade, European…

Media Coverage | Press Release

New Website With Overview of Ties Between Dutch Universities and Israel

06/07/202404/14/2025

DUTCH VERSION BELOW Joint Press Release by European Legal Support Center (ELSC), Stop Arms Trade, Solid Sustainability Research, The Rights Forum – Amsterdam, 7 June 2024 Relations with Israel’s military-industrial complex and Israeli human rights violations underline demands from actions at universities Today, civil society organisations Stop Arms Trade, European Legal Support Center (ELSC) and…

Press Release

BREAKING-Booking.com Sued for Laundering Profits from Israeli War Crimes in Palestine

05/23/202404/11/2025

Press release – 23 May 2024, Amsterdam DUTCH VERSION BELOW & ARABIC VERSION HERE The European Legal Support Center (ELSC), Al-Haq, SOMO and The Rights Forum have filed a criminal complaint to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service to hold Booking.com to account for profiting from the commission of war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory…

Campaigns

Q&A – Booking Sued for Laundering Profits from Israeli War Crimes in Palestine

05/23/202404/14/2025

DUTCH BELOW 1. What is the criminal complaint about? The criminal complaint that the ELSC, Al-Haq, SOMO, and The Rights Forum filed is about Booking.com’s involvement in illegal Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT). Our research shows that Booking.com profits from facilitating the rental of vacation homes built on land stolen from…

Know Your Rights: Toolkit for Protesters in the Netherlands

In response to growing protests for Palestine across the Netherlands, ELSC created a protest rights toolkit in English, Dutch, and Arabic. Learn your rights and stay protected.

Statement

Solidarity With Students & Allies Protesting For Palestinian Rights

05/22/202404/11/2025

The ELSC stands in solidarity with, and endorses the principled demands of, student protestors in Europe to disclose, divest and cut all ties with Israeli universities, corporations and all those complicit in the state of Israel’s crimes of genocide, colonisation, occupation and apartheid against Palestinians. We have seen among the most extreme police violence against…

ELSC Newsletter: Spring 2024

03/20/202404/14/2025

Dear Friend,   In the past weeks and months, we have joined forces with many of you who are mobilising tirelessly for an end to Israel’s heinous crimes against Gaza. In the first 2 months of 2024 alone, we’ve fought some crucial battles and secured a number of victories for the movement – which we bring to you…

Jobs

Call for Applications: Finance Manager and Administration Officer (Development and Operations) 

01/31/202404/14/2025

ELSC is hiring a Finance Manager and an Administration Officer to support our growing team. These roles are vital to managing finances, fundraising operations, and recruitment processes. Ideal candidates are organised, proactive, and people-focused. Join us in building legal support for Palestinian rights. Apply by 12 February 2024.

Press Release

Press Release: a Palestinian-led initiative warns public officials in Europe of intention to prosecute over complicity in Israel’s crimes in Gaza.

01/23/202404/11/2025

Amsterdam, January 22, 2024 The Justice and Accountability for Palestine Initiative has issued a stark warning to European public officials of the Austrian, French, German and Dutch governments that they could be individually liable for their role in aiding and abetting Israeli war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of Genocide through their involvement…

Case Update

VICTORY: “From the river to the sea” is protected speech, Dutch court rules!

10/18/202304/11/2025

At a time when expressions of support for the Palestinian cause are facing criminalisation at utterly unprecedented levels across Europe, we draw attention to the Dutch court ruling: “From the river to the sea” fully legitimate!

ELSC Newsletter: April 2023

05/23/202308/09/2023

Bringing you relevant updates on the defence of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2023

04/11/202304/14/2025

Bringing you relevant updates on the defence of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Chief Legal Officer

12/12/202204/14/2025

The ELSC is seeking a Chief Legal Officer based in Amsterdam to oversee the legal team on all cases and projects emanating (mainly) from Germany, The Netherlands and the UK.

ELSC Newsletter: September 2022

10/12/202204/11/2025

This month, at least three cases confirmed, again, that public pressure and collective support, sometimes coupled with litigation, constitute a great tool to achieve our rights as advocates for Palestinian rights!

Calls to Action

Dutch NGOs call upon the international community to take action against Israel for targeting Palestinian human rights organisations

08/23/202204/14/2025

After the Israeli army violently raided and closed seven prominent Palestinian human rights organisations last Thursday, this weekend it threatened the director of Al Haq (Shawan Jabarin) by telephone and detained the director of Defense for Children International – Palestine (Khaled Quzmar) several hours for questioning. This escalation proves once again that statements by European governments expressing serious concerns are insufficient. This, together with the killing of critical journalists and other Palestinian civilians with impunity, has reached the point where the international community must set a clear boundary. This is the limit, according to a broad representation of Dutch organisations.

ELSC Newsletter: June 2022

07/11/202204/14/2025

This month, at least three cases confirmed, again, that public pressure and collective support, sometimes coupled with litigation, constitute a great tool to achieve our rights as advocates for Palestinian rights!

Activities & Events

Panel discussion: “How Israel lobbies make it harder to speak up against Israel’s policies”

06/20/202207/01/2022

The ELSC will join the in-person panel organised by Leonhard-Woltjer Foundation & and Een Ander Joods Geluid (A Different Jewish Voice) on “How Israel lobbies make it harder to speak up against Israel’s policies”, in Amsterdam.

ELSC Newsletter: May 2022

06/13/202204/11/2025

This month, we achieved an important victory as a German court ruled in favour of scholar Dr. Anna Younes in digital surveillance case.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2022

04/06/202204/14/2025

This month was marked by Women’s Rights Day as well as the Israeli Apartheid Week, where many students and activists organised events and protests to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and raise awareness about the Israeli apartheid. This week was not free from censorship, especially on campus, as shown by an incident in The Netherlands. We also share updates from the European Citizens’ Initiative Campaign as well as news from Germany, Austria, and a vacancy to work with us in the UK!

ELSC Newsletter: February 2022

03/05/202204/14/2025

This month, we share with you some victories from the UK and Switzerland, an important analysis on German case law in favour of BDS, updates on the cases of BT3P and BDS Austria, new cases of repression in Germany and The Netherlands, and a landmark European Citizens Initiative.

Statement

We Won’t Be Silenced: On the Attempts to Smear Free Palestine Maastricht

02/08/202204/11/2025

The student activist group, Free Palestine Maastricht, dedicated to building solidarity and awareness on the Palestinian cause is targeted in an escalating unfounded smear campaign initiated by a student at Maastricht University. The ELSC has been providing the group with legal support. In the statement below, Free Palestine Maastricht asserts its right to advocate for Palestinian rights and calls upon Maastricht University to protect students’ fundamental rights of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

ELSC Newsletter: January 2022

02/03/202204/14/2025

Dear friend, This month we share with you our 2021 achievements in pushing back against silencing Palestinian rights advocacy, a campaign in support of an activist of BDS Austria sued over a Facebook post, updates on the repression of Palestinian civil society, an important ruling in Germany on the illegality of anti-BDS motion, and unfounded…

Calls to Action | Statement

60 International CSOs to Dutch Government: “Resume Dutch funding for UAWC, reject Israel’s designation of Palestinians NGOs”

01/26/202204/14/2025

Along with 59 other civil society organisations from all around the world, we asked the Dutch government to resume its funding for UAWC and to reject Israel’s designation of Palestinian NGOs. Indeed, the Dutch decision to cut funding was baseless, and the Dutch government also failed to reject the Israeli designation whereas it was recognised as unsubstantiated.

What Donors Should Know Following the Dutch Government’s Decision to Cut Funding for UAWC

The Charity and Security Network published a briefing paper on the Dutch government’s decision to cut funding for UAWC, with recommendations for Donors Seeking to Support Palestinian Civil Society.

Statement

The ELSC and The Rights Forum condemn Dutch government’s decision to defund UAWC

01/11/202204/11/2025

strongly condemn the decision of the Dutch government to end its funding to the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC).

ELSC Newsletter: November 2021

12/08/202104/14/2025

Dear friend, This month we share with you important updates on challenging Israel’s attack on Palestinian civil society and the repression of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe including in the Netherlands and the UK, a webinar, op-eds, and other news and resources. On the 29th of November, which marked the International Day of Solidarity with the…

Activities & Events

Workshop: Defending and Empowering Student Activism on Palestine

11/22/202104/14/2025

In partnership with DocP-BDS Nederland, the ELSC is organising an online workshop on “Defending and Empowering Student Activism on Palestine” addressed to students in The Netherlands, on the 2nd of December 2021 from 5:30 – 7:30 CET.

10 Situations in which the ELSC Can Defend your Right to Advocate

The ELSC released a new leaflet addressing 10 situations in which our team can defend the right to advocate for Palestinian rights.

ELSC Newsletter: October 2021

11/08/202104/14/2025

This month we share with you news on our work to push back against the criminalisation of Palestinian civil society by Israel as well as our new report on shrinking space and Palestinian rights advocacy in the Netherlands. We also share good news from the UK where the authorities rejected unfounded allegations by a lawfare group, updates from the BT3P team who challenged the German Parliament in Court, and new job and traineeship opportunities with the ELSC.

Calls to Action | Statement

The Netherlands must speak out against unsubstantiated accusations against six Palestinian organisations

11/03/202104/14/2025

Today, the ELSC joined 31 Dutch organisations to call the Dutch governement to condemn the recent allegations against six prominent Palestinian NGOs.

Jobs

The ELSC launches its Movement Lawyering Traineeship

11/03/202104/14/2025

The ELSC launches its Movement Lawyering Traineeship that aims to educate the next generation of human rights lawyers and advocates by rooting their legal training, experience and practice in the Palestine solidarity movement.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Development Officer

10/21/202104/14/2025

We are seeking a Development Officer to lead fundraising and administrative work, including management of human resources and strategic planning.

Press Release

Report reveals a pattern of attempts at silencing Palestinian rights advocates in the Netherlands

10/12/202104/14/2025

Today, the European Legal Support Center (ELSC), an organisation that monitors incidents of repression against Palestinian rights advocates in Europe and provides them with legal support, published a report on chilling Palestinian rights advocacy in the Netherlands. The report, which is the first of its kind ever published, highlights the many attempts to stifle activism, human rights work, artistic activities or simple political expression on Israel and the Palestinian people.

ELSC Newsletter: September 2021

10/08/202104/14/2025

This month we share with you updates on our work protecting students and Palestinian advocates in the UK, a new report on European financial support for companies involved in the Israeli settlement enterprise, exciting news on the BT3P case challenging the German Bundestag, an important step challenging EU trade with occupied territories and a victory for academic freedom for an international legal scholar.

The Attempt to Chill Palestinian Rights Advocacy in the Netherlands

The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) has, for the first time, documented attempts to suppress advocacy for Palestinian rights in the Netherlands. The report reveals how unfounded allegations of antisemitism and support for terrorism are used to silence human rights activists, academics, and civil society organisations.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Project Officer – Netherlands

08/11/202104/14/2025

We are seeking a part-time Project Officer to lead our work in the Netherlands.

2020 ELSC Year-in-Review

Our 2020 Year-in-Review provides an overview our work, achievements and cases in the defence of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe in 2020.

ELSC Newsletter: June 2021

07/12/202104/14/2025

This month we share with you updates from our work around Europe. In Brussels, we sent a joint letter to the EU commission challenging the political instrumentalization of the controversial IHRA definition, in the UK we assisted students and academics to challenge repression when they speak up in defence of Palestinian rights and we challenged…

Jobs

Call for Applications: Legal Intern – The Netherlands

06/17/202104/14/2025

We are presently seeking a legal intern for our Netherlands project work. The position will be based at the ELSC office in Amsterdam.

ELSC Newsletter: May 2021

06/04/202104/14/2025

This month we once again witnessed the brutal bombardment of Gaza and violent commission of human rights abuses by Israeli authorities and settlers. In a global response, communities worldwide rose in solidarity calling for freedom and justice in Palestine. Yet, this call was not without struggle as this month we share with you all too common stories of censorship and repression of Palestinian rights activists. We also share the news of a win in an EU court, part of the effort to stop trade with illegal settlements, as well as an update on the BT3P campaign challenging the German Bundestag’s anti-BDS motion.

ELSC Newsletter: April 2021

05/04/202104/14/2025

This month, we have a few exciting victories for Palestinian rights advocacy. We recall an important success in The Netherlands, share with you a new report by Human Rights Watch detailing the crime of apartheid being committed by Israel against Palestinians, and report on the University of Toronto being censored for cancelling the employment of ELSC Advisory Board member Dr. Valentina Azarova for her human rights work.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2021

04/07/202104/14/2025

In this month’s newsletter, we share with you the release of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, welcome a new member to the ELSC advisory board and highlight our 2021 work so far and how you can help to make this an important year for the protection of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe. JERUSALEM DEFINITION ON…

2019 ELSC Annual Report

You will find in it an overview of accomplishments in the ELSC’s first year on the main pillars of our program – Monitoring, Legal Defence and Empowerment of the movement for Palestinian rights. Read our 2019 Annual Report

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