Thousands of Children's Shoes on Vredenburg Square for Victims in Gaza
utters, zondag, 24 augustus 2025.
Today, thousands of children’s shoes are displayed on Vredenburg Square in Utrecht to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Notable Dutch figures, including Douwe Bob and Babette van Veen, read out the names of murdered children. The action, organised by the NVJ and other organisations, aims to focus the attention of politicians and the public on the dramatic situation of children in Gaza.
Action on Vredenburg Square
Today, thousands of children’s shoes are displayed on Vredenburg Square in Utrecht to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This action, organised by the NVJ and other organisations, aims to focus the attention of politicians and the public on the dramatic situation of children in Gaza [1][2]. The shoes symbolise the many child victims of the conflict and are placed to remind the Dutch population that the situation in Gaza urgently requires attention [1].
Notable Dutch Figures Involved
Throughout the afternoon, names of murdered children are read out by well-known and lesser-known Dutch individuals. Singer Douwe Bob will not only read names but also perform music to draw attention to Gaza [1][2]. Names are read by actress Babette van Veen, rapper Dio, actress Anna Drijver, presenter Joris Linssen, former minister Hedy d’Ancona, presenter Haddasah de Boer, director Doke Romeijn, NVJ chairman Folkert Jensma, sustainable lifestyle expert Marieke Eyskoot, politician Tofik Dibi, theologian Janneke Stegeman, theatre maker Jelle Zijlstra, GP Rinske van de Goor, journalist Maya-Nora Saaid, radio host Q-Bah, writer Arjan el Fassed, Melody Raymann, and many others [1][2].
Aims of the Action
The Foundation Plant an Olive Tree calls for these children not to be forgotten and for “all efforts to be made to permanently stop the genocidal occupation violence by Israel” [1][2]. The aim is to focus the attention of the Dutch population and politics on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where children are daily exposed to violence and insecurity [1][2]. The action is a way to show solidarity and emphasise that the international community must take action [1][2].
History and Context
This action is not new; in March 2024, a similar action was held on Vredenburg Square, where thousands of children’s shoes were also placed [1]. At that time, banners still displayed the number 14,000, which was the then-estimated number of child victims in Gaza [1]. Today’s action is the thirteenth in the Netherlands and the second in Utrecht [1][2].
More Activities in the Netherlands
In addition to the action in Utrecht, various other events will take place in the coming days to draw attention to the situation in Gaza. On Sunday, August 24th, Moroccan singer Anass Habib, French accordionist Benoît Rey, and Dutch-Turkish guitarist and oud player Göksel Yilmaz will perform songs from the Middle East with a message for peace in the Pieterskerk in Utrecht [3]. On Thursday, August 28th, sit-ins for Gaza will take place at train stations across the Netherlands, with participants encouraged to bring a pan and spoon [3].
International Context
The situation in Gaza remains a source of international concern. According to reports, more than 300 journalists have been killed in almost two years of war, drawing attention to press freedom in the region [4]. Additionally, thousands of Israelis are demonstrating against the Netanyahu government, demanding a deal for the return of hostages held by Hamas [4].