Netherlands: Writer/Activist Suggests Israel/Jews May Be Behind Recent Bombings

Dutch writer Anja Meulenbeld, who is also a pro-Palestinian activist, has caused a stir in the Netherlands with her observation that the recent bombings in Belgium and the Netherlands of Jewish synagogues and schools may be the work of Israel or Jews themselves in an effort to win sympathy. The local Jewish community, already under attack, has, understandably, reacted with anger.

The article below from De Telegraaf is translated by Fousesquawk

Controversial PC Hooft prize winner Anja Meulenbelt causes anger with her statement about the attacks on synagogues

Tuesday 17 March 2026 09:30- De Telegraaf
In this article:

Anja Meulenbelt (81), known as a writer and Palestinian activist, has once again caused controversy by comments under a Facebook report suggesting that Jews or Israel itself may have organized anti-Semitism attacks in order to win sympathy. She called the possibility historically, not impossible, and, according to the report, wrote that, “Israel and the Zionist lobby have an interest in more anti-Semitism,” after which, she added that she is not presenting it as a definitive fact, more as an option.

Her remarks came shortly after two recent incidents: Early Friday morning, something exploded at the synagogue in Rotterdam-Blijdorp: The same day, 4 young men from Tilburg (ages 17-19) were arrested. One day later, there was an explosion at the outer wall of the Cheider Jewish school in Buitenveldert, Amsterdam-South. The insertion of the word “attacks” between quotation marks and proposing a self-directed theory caused strong indignation within the Dutch Jewish community.

Dave Heilbron, treasurer of the Central Jewish Council, called Meulenbelt’s claims shocking and unacceptable, and stated that the dissemination of such conspiracy theories harms an already polarized situation. He himself suggested that the leadership of the PC Hooft-prize should reconsider her award. The leadership of the literature prize refuses to respond in a substantive manner and points out that Meulenbelt was writing in a personal capacity.

Meulenbelt, who has written several books on the Gaza Strip and earlier expressed understanding for the October 7, 2023 attacks, this year became the first woman to receive the PC Hooft prize-a choice that was met with criticism within literary circles even before (the award was made). The discussion underlines both the sensitivity around anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories, as well as the tension between artistic prestige and political activism.