History of the Jews in the Netherlands

The history of Jews in the Netherlands dates back to the Middle Ages, with significant growth during the 16th and 17th centuries, when many Sephardic Jews fleeing Spain and Portugal settled there. The Dutch were relatively tolerant, allowing Jewish communities to thrive, especially in cities like Amsterdam. However, during World War II, Nazi occupation led to the Holocaust, drastically reducing the Jewish population through persecution and deportation. After the war, some survivors returned, and today, Dutch Jews contribute to the country's cultural and social life, though their community is smaller than before.