The Amsterdam General Strike of February 1941

Day of Amsterdam

The famous February strike of ’41 was the only major protest in solidarity with Jews in Europe during the Nazi era and has since been a symbol of resistance.

The months preceding the strike had been tense, with Dutch Nazi organizations harassing Jews in the Jewish neighborhood. In response, Jews (and non-Jewish supporters) formed self-defense groups, resulting in a series of street battles in which one Dutch Nazi died. The Germans then sealed off the Jewish neighborhood for non-Jews.

In revenge, the Nazis staged a large-scale pogrom a few days later in which 427 Jewish men between age 20 and 35 were arrested and deported, most of whom died in the Mauthausen concentration camp.

After two days of brutal repression – in which nine strikers were killed, dozens of others were severely injured, and many more imprisoned – the Nazis suppressed the strike. Several strike leaders were later executed by firing squad. On February 25, public transport workers were the first to strike, while communists were spreading the strike manifesto across workplaces in town. By noon the strike had paralyzed the entire city and soon spread to the surrounding regions,

Although ultimately unsuccessful, the Amsterdam February strike will forever have its place in the history of anti-fascist resistance. The brave men and women who risked their lives will forever be remembered for their bravery and solidarity with their persecuted fellow citizens.

Some key passages from their strike poster sadly echo strikingly relevant in today’s Europe:

Protest against the horrible persecutions of the Jews! During the recent Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the Nazis behaved like beasts in neighborhoods with Jewish inhabitants.

Hundreds of fully armed military police members suddenly appeared in the old city and other neighborhoods. They attacked helpless men, women, and children while yelling, shouting, cursing, and shooting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfK3BCAC_xg

Hundreds of Jewish youngsters were seized in the streets, thrown into police cars, and sent to an unknown place of horrors.

Proletarian residents of Amsterdam, will you put up with this?

Thousand times no!!!

Spare the Jewish children from the terror of the Nazi atrocities; take them in with your families!!!

Be aware of the tremendous might of your unified action!!!

It is much greater than that of the German military occupation! There’s no doubt that many

German proletarian soldiers support your resistance!!!

Strike!! Strike!! Strike!!!

Be united!! Be brave!!

Stiffen your spine and fight to deliberate our country!!!