How New York celebrates and protects its bodegas – and why Amsterdam treats its tokos as decor

North Holland to implement more active rainbow policy

The province of North Holland is launching a more active policy to support the LGBTQIA+ community in partnership with local municipalities and interest groups. The initiative includes the creation of a 'rainbow network' aimed at fostering social safety, acceptance, and employment.

Former garage on De Wittenkade squatted

A former garage building on De Wittenkade in Amsterdam West has been occupied by squatters who claim to have moved in around May 23. The occupants announced the action recently to establish residential rights, and the police have since notified the property owner. No formal charges have been filed by the owner at this time.

Why most fountains in Amsterdam are still not working

Netherlands halts deportations to Lebanon for next six months

The Dutch government has announced a six-month suspension of deportations to Lebanon following the Israeli invasion of the country. Minister for Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink stated that decisions regarding residence permits for Lebanese nationals will also be delayed during this period.

Dara Bazelet wrote a play about the war in Gaza, but: ‘The actors found it problematic that we viewed it from the perspective of Israeli characters’