On May 4, 2025, an alternative Remembrance Day, known as '4 mei inclusief', drew an unexpected crowd of approximately 3,000 people at the Koekamp in The Hague. This event was organized as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and aimed to honor not only the victims of World War II and the Holocaust but also those affected by recent global conflicts. The gathering began at 19:00 and was initiated by civil servants and former diplomats, offering a poignant alternative to the traditional national Remembrance Day held at Dam Square in Amsterdam.
According to the organizers, the event was meant to commemorate "all people who were or are victims of genocide, war, persecution, and oppression, partly due to the actions or omissions of the Dutch government." Initially expecting around 500 attendees, the turnout exceeded their expectations, highlighting a growing concern among citizens regarding contemporary issues of conflict and oppression.
The atmosphere was somber yet reflective, beginning with cellist music that set the tone for the evening. Mark Kulsdom, a cultural historian, was one of the first speakers and addressed the historical significance of the day. He questioned, "What does 'never again' mean when the present in Gaza and elsewhere in the world shows painful and confronting parallels with the past?" His remarks resonated with many attendees, prompting them to consider the implications of historical events on current global issues.
Former PvdA politician Hedy d'Ancona, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, also spoke at the event. She recalled her father, who perished in a concentration camp during the war, and emphasized the importance of remembering not only the past but also the ongoing struggles faced by many today. "I come from the generation of 'never again', but 'never again' is now," she stated, expressing her preference for a commemoration that connects the past with present-day realities. D'Ancona's words underscored the notion that remembrance should also involve critical reflection on current injustices.
Other notable speakers included documentary filmmaker Mustafa Hadziibrahimovic, who fled the war in Bosnia in the late 1990s, and Surinamese-Dutch anthropologist Gloria Wekker, who spoke about the colonial past. Palestinian photographer Mohammed Al Zaanoun, who escaped from Gaza, shared his experiences and the impact of the ongoing conflict on his homeland. The diversity of voices at the event highlighted the interconnectedness of historical and contemporary struggles.
At 20:00, a moment of silence was observed across the country, including at the alternative commemoration, allowing attendees to reflect on the sacrifices made throughout history. The two minutes of silence were executed without disruptions, emphasizing the solemnity of the occasion.
The alternative Remembrance Day at the Malieveld was livestreamed, allowing thousands more to participate virtually. Similar alternative commemorations were held in other cities across the Netherlands, including Zaandam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, showcasing a broader movement to acknowledge various forms of suffering and injustice.
Across the country, traditional Remembrance Day events also took place, with many emphasizing the importance of peace and reconciliation. Gouda's mayor, Pieter Verhoeve, remarked, "For me, it is a miracle from God that there has been no war in the Netherlands for 80 years." His comments reflect a sentiment shared by many who gathered to honor the victims of war while simultaneously acknowledging the ongoing conflicts that continue to affect lives globally.
The alternative commemoration in The Hague was a clear indication of the public's desire for a more inclusive remembrance that recognizes the complexities of historical and current events. A spokesperson for the organizing committee expressed gratitude for the large turnout, stating, "We are very impressed and moved. It shows that remembering together and inclusively is necessary and can also be dignified." However, it remains uncertain whether this initiative will continue in the future, as the organizers have yet to consider the possibility of future events.
In Rotterdam, the Palestine Coalition, in collaboration with the Jewish anti-Zionist organization Erev Rav, held their own commemoration, where speakers highlighted the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and elsewhere. At the Homomonument in Amsterdam, several speakers called for attention to current wars, particularly in Gaza, emphasizing that the freedom celebrated today is incomplete without addressing these ongoing issues.
The alternative Remembrance Day in The Hague not only served as a platform for honoring the past but also as a call to action for contemporary struggles against oppression and violence. As attendees reflected on the historical significance of the day, they were reminded of the urgent need to address the injustices that persist in the world today.
