January 22, 2003
Let's go Dutch: First Jewish PM outside of Israel
Update: Well, it's not going to happen now: in a very close election, it seems that the Christian Democrats beat out Mr. Cohen's Labour Party. Pity!
On the eve of national elections, chances grew Tuesday that the Netherlands would elect its first Jewish prime minister.
The last polls taken just before general elections are held on Wednesday show a slight edge for the Labor Party, headed by Amsterdam's Jewish mayor and son of Holocaust survivors, Job Cohen, over the Christian Democrats.
[...]Cohen, originally from the Dutch academic world, has served as deputy minister of education and deputy minister of justice in former cabinets.
He is known for his involvement in a controversial law aimed at restricting asylum seekers and immigrants allowed into the Netherlands.
Bos explained he chose Cohen for the job because of the successful implementation of his immigration law as well as Cohen's experience with integration problems within the country's immigrant community, particularly with Muslims.
Cohen, a son of Holocaust survivors, was born and raised in a Jewish secular family in Haarlem.
Amsterdam has had a "tradition" since 1945 of being led by Jewish mayors, all of whom are known for crusading against racism and discrimination.
Mazeltov, Mr. Cohen!
I'm sure this news wasn't lost on Joe Lieberman, either.
But it sounds like a good thing for Holland and for Jews everywhere and the EU could certainly use some thoughtful leadership in a member country in the area of Muslim immigrants and their integration into European society!
