Amsterdam Statues Tagged with ‘Free Gaza’ Graffiti Amid Rising Tensions

In a concerning development, several iconic statues in Amsterdam were defaced with “Free Gaza” graffiti on August 4, 2024. This shows the city’s struggle to balance its liberal identity with growing tensions over global issues. The vandalism has sparked outrage and concern among residents and officials alike.
The affected monuments include the famous Anne Frank statue, a poignant reminder of the city’s tragic past and its commitment to tolerance. The graffiti, scrawled in bold letters, starkly contrasts the serene beauty of the bronze figure of the young diarist. Notably, the graffiti incident occurred on the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank’s arrest by the German occupiers, adding an even deeper layer of significance to the act.
In addition to the Anne Frank statue, the Gandhi statue, located in Amsterdam-Zuid, was also tagged. This statue honours Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of peace and non-violence, making the graffiti particularly jarring against its message of harmony. The resistance monument on Apollolaan was similarly defaced, with “Free Gaza” written in purple paint, further emphasizing the tensions surrounding the current political climate.
“It’s a really painful incident,” said Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who has been grappling with a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the city. “Even young Jews have inherited trauma from the past, and this act of vandalism only serves to reopen those wounds.”
The vandalism comes when Amsterdam faces challenges in managing its image as a tolerant and welcoming city. Mayor Halsema has been vocal about the need to curb the excesses of mass tourism, particularly in the city’s famous red-light district.

“We’re seeing many youngsters being drawn into organized crime, particularly in the city’s poorer neighbourhoods,” Halsema said in a recent interview. “The booming illegal cocaine trade is causing serious issues, and it’s linked to high-profile murders.”
In response to the graffiti incident, the city has vowed to take swift action to remove the vandalism and increase security around the affected monuments. The police are investigating the incident and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the perpetrators.
“We will not tolerate any acts of vandalism or hate speech in our city,” said a spokesperson for the Amsterdam City Council. “These statues are not just symbols of our history, but also of our values of diversity, inclusion, and respect. We stand united against any attempts to divide our community.”
As Amsterdam grapples with the aftermath of the graffiti incident, it serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing the city. From managing the impact of mass tourism to addressing rising tensions over global issues, Amsterdam must find a way to preserve its liberal identity while ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors alike.