Construction of student housing possibly cancelled due to Erasmus University’s stance on Israel

On a Jewish cemetery at Toepad in Rotterdam, 380 new student residences were set to be established. However, the Jewish community is temporarily halting its cooperation due to Erasmus University’s new position on Israel.

On a vacant lot measuring eighty by one hundred metres, the first of the approximately 380 temporary homes were supposed to be constructed. But the building was first delayed due to soft soil, stone marten interference, and parking requirements from the municipality. Now, the Jewish cemetery is also putting the project on hold.

That states Chris den Hoedt, chair of the Jewish Community Rotterdam, in various media. The housing corporation Woonstad was to lease the land for these student residences.

Protests

According to Den Hoedt, Erasmus University Rotterdam is not doing enough to combat antisemitism on campus. Pro-Palestinian protests are given ample space, he claims, while Jewish students and staff struggle to be heard and can only gather with security present.

Last week, Erasmus University temporarily halted its cooperation with Bar-Ilan University, Hebrew University, and University of Haifa. The collaboration with two other universities is also under review.

The student residences were to be built behind the cemetery, which is over a hundred years old, located at Toepad in Rotterdam. Tragically, many Jews were murdered during the Second World War, which means the cemetery requires less space than initially expected when it was established, Den Hoedt explained previously to RTV Rijnmond.

A few years ago, when he learned of a significant shortage of student housing, he contacted Erasmus University, the municipality, and housing corporation Woonstad Rotterdam. Together, they developed a plan to establish 380 temporary residences, which were to provide accommodation for 380 students for thirty years.

No contact yet

The community and chair Den Hoedt did not respond on Wednesday to a request for comment. The Erasmus University states that there has been no administrative contact yet but that it is open to a conversation.

Housing corporation Woonstad still believes that construction can commence by the end of this year. Previously the construction also appeared to be delayed, but those obstacles have now been cleared.