News

Some people make a difference you don’t just see, but truly feel. Itay is one of those people.

Amsterdam wants to make period and menopause symptoms easier to discuss in the workplace. Following an initiative by Volt councillor Itay Garmy and GroenLinks councillor Kris van der Veen, the municipal executive has approved a proposal that creates more room for tailored support for employees experiencing these symptoms.

In September 2023, Itay Garmy (Volt) and Sheher Khan (DENK) introduced the initiative “Bekend maakt Bemind”. Their idea was simple: bring Amsterdammers into contact with one another, especially when they are different. Since October 7, 2023, this has only become more important. The war in Israel and Gaza has led to increased tensions in the Netherlands as well. In schools, community centers, and on the streets, it became clear how quickly conversations break down, or stop happening altogether.

With the elections approaching, our first term in the city council will soon come to an end. As in previous years, we are looking back on the highlights of the past year. In this letter, you can read about some of the things we have done in the council and for the city over the past year.

In 1940, thirteen Amsterdam city councillors were expelled because they were Jewish or communist. Their names disappeared from the official records, and their stories were largely forgotten. City councillors Itay Garmy (Volt) and Lian Heinhuis (PvdA) have submitted an initiative proposal to ensure they are finally recognised and permanently commemorated.

Volt city councillor Itay Garmy is Jewish and pro-Israel, while DENK city councillor Sheher Khan is Muslim and pro-Palestine. Despite their differences, they have worked together on a proposal aimed at bringing Amsterdam's diverse communities closer together.As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to claim many innocent lives, this proposal is more relevant than ever. "It is important that, despite our differences, we continue talking to one another and try to understand each other."