Dutch colleges and universities should speak out “more clearly, more often and publicly” in support of Jewish students and staff who feel unsafe, according to a task force appointed by the outgoing cabinet to examine the impact of pro-Palestinian protests in higher education.

The task force said institutions had paid too little attention to the safety of the Jewish community during campus demonstrations following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli bombardments of Gaza.

“The right to demonstrate is a great good, including against Israeli policy,” said task force chairman Jaap Smit. “But this must not come at the expense of general safety, and that of the Jewish community in particular.”

The researchers said university boards to be more consistent in tackling behaviour that created an unsafe environment, remove offensive slogans more quickly and ensure that Jewish student activities can continue without disruption.

Although most protests were peaceful, buildings were occupied at several institutions and some demonstrations escalated, creating strong feelings of insecurity among an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish students and staff working in higher education, the report said.

In particular, Jewish students and academics reported being pressured after October 7 to condemn Israeli actions using what were described as the “right” terms, including declaring themselves anti-Zionist. The taskforce said this amounted to treating Jews as “guilty by association”.

Around 10 employees are currently on sick leave because they feel unsafe at work, the report said.