Michiel Servaes, the director of Oxfam Novib, has dedicated a significant part of his life to advocating for the Palestinian cause, culminating in a large-scale demonstration in The Hague. The demonstration, initiated by Oxfam Novib, drew an estimated one hundred thousand people, signaling a shift in public sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite the impressive turnout, Servaes acknowledges the lack of immediate political impact, yet remains committed to continuing his efforts.
Servaes’ involvement with the Palestinian cause began in his teenage years, driven by a desire to understand the Palestinian perspective, which he felt was often overlooked. This commitment has taken him from student activism to a career in diplomacy and, eventually, to his current role at Oxfam Novib.
The recent demonstration aimed to mobilize the “silent majority” and create a visible display of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The initial plan was to form a human chain from the Peace Palace to the Binnenhof, requiring 2,500 participants. However, the overwhelming response led to a “human trunk” stretching five kilometers through The Hague.
Despite his personal dedication and the efforts of his organization, Servaes recognizes the challenges in achieving concrete political change. He expressed disappointment that motions submitted in the Dutch Parliament to address the situation in Gaza have been unsuccessful. He also criticized the Dutch Prime Minister’s close relationship with a Jewish organization, viewing it as a misjudgment of the diversity within the Jewish community and a blurring of the lines between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism.
Servaes emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of the conflict, including the Nakba, and acknowledges the complexities of navigating the issue, particularly given his own Jewish background. He recounts a disillusioning conversation with Prime Minister Schoof, where the Prime Minister seemed to back away from the idea of international law being a “red line”.
Servaes’ journey as an activist began in his youth, inspired by his family history and a growing awareness of global political issues. He recalls his early activism against nuclear weapons and his engagement with international news.
His career path took him from diplomacy, where he struggled with the hierarchical and traditional nature of the profession, to the Dutch Parliament as a member of the PvdA. During his time in Parliament, he focused on foreign affairs and publicly criticized the government’s response to the 2014 Gaza conflict.
As director of Oxfam Novib, Servaes acknowledges the difficulties faced by activists, particularly those from marginalized communities, in conveying their message. He believes that the media often favors white, male voices from established organizations.
In February, Servaes visited Gaza to witness the situation firsthand and support his colleagues working on the ground. He described the intensity of the experience and the devastating impact of the conflict on the local population. He noted that while a ceasefire was in place during his visit, the constant presence of drones served as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict. He was deeply affected by the stories of his colleagues and the extent of the destruction he witnessed.