Dutch writer and activist Anja Meulenbelt, who has been the recipient of the Netherlands’ most prestigious literary award, has come under fire for suggesting that recent attacks on Jewish communities may have been orchestrated by “Zionists” themselves.
Meulenbelt, 81, made the remarks in the comments section of a Facebook post discussing recent incidents targeting synagogues and a Jewish school. Her comments drew accusations that she was promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories.
In her post, Meulenbelt wrote in full:
“Of all the options available, do you also consider the possibility that the ‘attacks’ were organized by Zionists? Historically, that would not be the first time. Listen to Avi Shlaim about the bombs planted in Arab countries to get Jews there to move to Israel. I am not saying that it is the case, but it is an option. Also read Chris de Ploeg. Israel and the Zionist lobby have an interest in more antisemitism.”
De winnaar van de P.C.Hooft-prijs 2026 die even het complotdenken een zwengel geeft.
‘De zionisten’ lees joden. Hebben het zelf gedaan….
Ook überhaupt de aanslagen in twijfel trekken door ze tussen aanhalingstekens te plaatsen. pic.twitter.com/luKIoxiSwR
— Keren Hirsch (@KerenHirsch) March 16, 2026Dave Heilbron, board member and treasurer of the Central Jewish Council (CJO), described the remarks as deeply disturbing, especially by someone awarded the prestigious literary award, the PC Hooft Prize.
“Frankly, it is truly shocking,” he said, as cited by De Telegraaf. “I find it hard to understand that a woman who has also won the PC Hooft Prize is spreading these kinds of conspiracy theories. In an already polarized landscape, this does absolutely nothing to help. I don’t understand where she gets this from, really not.”
Heilbron also rejected the implication that Zionists would orchestrate attacks against their own community.
“About 90 percent of the Jews in the Netherlands are Zionist, including me. But that does not mean that all of us, or any of us, planned those bombs. How can you even think of making a case out of that?” he said. “I think it would be wise for the board to consider revoking that prize.”
Recent attacks on Jewish sites in the Netherlands have intensified concern within the community. In Rotterdam’s Blijdorp district, an explosion struck a synagogue overnight on Friday, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of four suspects aged between 17 and 19. The suspects are suspected of “causing an explosion, arson, and attempted arson, all with a terrorist intent,” according to a statement from the Rotterdam Public Prosecutor’s Office on Monday.
The office added that the attack was “aimed at instilling serious fear in a population group, in this case, the Jewish community.”
Just a day later, a second incident occurred in Amsterdam, where an explosion damaged the outer wall of the Cheider Jewish school in the Buitenveldert area. It was described by the city’s mayor, Femke Halsema, as a “deliberate act.”
Amsterdam Police have since released stills of those wanted in connection with the attack.
“This is a cowardly act of aggression against the Jewish community. Jewish people in Amsterdam are increasingly confronted with antisemitism. This is unacceptable,” she added.
Last week, in neighboring Belgium, another explosion caused a fire at a synagogue in Liege.
Regarding Meulenbelt’s “false flag” theory, the board responsible for awarding the PC Hooft Prize declined to comment on her statements, saying they were made in a “personal capacity.”
