Viewing tips for you, about Ahmed Marcouch (weekend of 17th April, and 25th April, 2010, all Dutch).
In "Wintertijd", Harry de Winter will discuss the musical autobiography of Ahmed Marcouch. Saturday, 21:00, rerun Sunday, 23:30. http://www.hetgesprek.nl/programmas/778
On Thursday, 8th April, 16:30, Ahmed Marcouch will say goodbye to Slotervaart at Restaurant Cedars, 80 Heemstedestraat, Amsterdam. Marcouch was Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart from April, 2006 until March 11th, 2010. The reception will end at 19:00. The District City Board of Slotervaart writes on the invitation: "If you want to give Ahmed a present, he will appreciate it if you make a donation to SSOP (which, translated in English, is the "Foundation for Development and Participation" - Freddy), which is an organization with volunteers who manage to get the neighborhood children to work with a PC, neighborhood women to explore the city, and the neighborhood men to discuss how their sons should be raised". Sign in: s.elghalbzouri@slotervaart.amsterdam.nl; official invitation available on request. Donation for the gift: account number 627591394, written to SSOP in Amsterdam, subject "Ahmed Marcouch".
Zembla, 21st March, 21.50, on Dutch TV 2: secondary professional education. The department of education finances the schools, based on the number of students and diplomas. "Due to the fact that there are no official state exams, the board and the teachers are tempted to hand out a diploma, regardless of the student's results", says Mrs. Leek, who used to be a teacher of German. The published list of "weak" schools is still much too short, according to Mrs. Leek. "The educational inspection never enters a class room, they mainly talk with the school board, and they check the paperwork". Loubna, Said, Melany, Nadia, and two other students of ROC ASA say that they don't get any English or Dutch classes. This is a real problem, especially for students who want to go to college or university. Marcouch will take a seat in the special demonstration bus, which goes to The Hague. He will also visit the College of Interior Design, which is a positive exception to the rule, because it has remained small and because it offers more classes than the poor, mandatory 21 hours a week. Marcouch: "in problematic neighborhoods, good education is the only escape from misery".
AMSTERDAM (ANP), 17th March, 2010 – Ahmed Marcouch, former Mayor of the Amsterdam District Slotervaart and member of the City Council, is available for the Labor Party in the national elections for the Dutch parliament. He announced this to the ANP on Wednesday.
Marcouch wants to combine being a member of the parliament with his membership of the Amsterdam City Council. During the municipal elections, he was on the last position of the Labor list. However, he received many preferential votes, which resulted in him being a member of the City Council. Only the leading man of Labor, Lodewijk Asscher, got more votes than Marcouch.
Marcouch states he wants to be a "full time politician, with a double mandate for MP as well as a member of the City Council". Members of the City Council work part-time.
Marcouch has accomplished a lot in the last few years, because of his hard approach towards crime and inconvenience in Amsterdam-Slotervaart. In this, he worked together with the Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen, who is most likely to become the leading man for Labor in the national elections. "The results Job Cohen and I have accomplished in Slotervaart, I want to accomplish in all neighborhoods and areas which suffer from crime, inconvenience, depravation, and neglect. It's now or never for The Netherlands. Labor has given itself the assignment to create a link between local and national politics''.
The politician already stated on Wednesday that he has a very clear view on how to approach the PVV, the party of Geert Wilders. Fighting the PVV doesn't involve verbal battles or improving the image of Dutchmen from non-Western origin. "The Dutch in general don't hold anything against citizens from non-Western origin. This also goes for PVV-supporters. They just can't bear the crime, inconvenience, and depravation anymore. We should fight those problems".
The Dutchman from Moroccan origin stated that he also wants to fight "for better education, decent housing, and fairly paid jobs". Furthermore, he said that juvenile social organizations should do their proper job again. The police should track down criminals and juvenile social workers should support youngsters.
Marcouch: "Professionals, don't hide domestic violence, because of the privacy legislation".
"Police officers or teachers should share their suspicions of domestic violence without worrying too much about privacy rules", stated former Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, Ahmed Marcouch, during a meeting with professionals in the council chamber of the District Office. Ahmed Marcouch is in favor of a strong movement against domestic violence: "if each organization actively involves 10 people in the struggle against domestic violence, you all will be able to do a lot in the prevention of unnecessary suffering". The women's organizations in Slotervaart, El Nour, and Nisa for Nisa state that the reason why domestic violence often stays under the surface is because the woman in question is afraid that people will not believe her, or that she will be the cause of her family's disintegration. A big problem is the lack of help or support, because the victim doesn't have any friends or family she can turn to. This is confirmed by Linda Moren, who works at the Organization for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 12th March, 2010.
11th March, 2010 - Ahmed Marcouch was the first one to be sworn in as a new member of the Amsterdam City Council, this afternoon, around 13:00. As soon as Mayor Cohen called his name, his fans and supporters, who had come in great numbers to the town hall for the special occasion, cheered and applauded abundantly.
After the official installation, the council meeting was adjourned in order to allow everyone to exchange congratulations.
Ex-Mayor of De Baarsjes, Arco Verburg, congratulates Ahmed Marcouch.
Ahmed Marcouch officially installed as a member of the City Council.
Ahmed Marcouch will be installed as a member of the Amsterdam City Council on Thursday, 11th March, 13:00. Venue: Amsterdam Town Hall, council chamber.
Ahmed is very grateful to all supporters for the 12,000 preferential votes he received at the municipal elections.
On Wednesday, 10th March, Ahmed will hand over his work for Slotervaart to his colleagues.
On 24th April, we know if Ahmed will become alderman. So, up until then, our hero will face some hectic times!
Supporters are welcome to attend the official installation.
Aldermen Ineke Ketelaar and Paulus de Wilt congratulate Ahmed Marcouch on the 12,000 preferential votes he has received at 3rd March for the Amsterdam municipal elections. This number of votes equals two chairs in the City Council. Marcouch, who at present is still a District Mayor, will be officially installed as a member of the Council on 11th March. Marcouch is very happy with the results of the elections: “These preferential votes mean that the things I have done for Slotervaart, I can also do in other parts of Amsterdam, which are troublesome or dangerous at the moment. This means fighting crime and neighborhood inconvenience, fighting for the cause of good education, and fundamental freedom for gays, women, as well as Muslims”. Obviously, Ahmed Marcouch is also going to officially say goodbye to the residents of Slotervaart.
“Women who have the courage to step out of a vicious cycle of domestic violence are heroines”.
Several social organizations will come to the District City Council's office for the second time, to attend a meeting about the prevention of domestic violence. This meeting will take place on 9th March, 18:30-20:30. Other social figures, like, among others, imams, but also medical staff, are kindly invited to attend the meeting as well. Previously, during the first meeting, Fayza Oum Hamed presented her book “The chosen”, which is about her life with a violent husband and in-laws. Research shows that people from non-Western origin are less likely to report domestic violence than people from Western origin. Mayor Marcouch: “I know that domestic violence occurs in every layer of society, but within certain religious and cultural communities, people tend to justify oppression and violence. To change that, we need the help of religious leaders, juvenile social workers, and, of course, the people in question”. Three days prior to the meeting, Ahmed Marcouch will hand out a booklet with twelve portraits of “changemakers” to entrepreneur Carla Visch, a survivor of abuse by her mother, who – despite everything – has taken control of her own life. This will take place on 6th March, 19:30, at Westergasfabriek. Marcouch: “women who have the courage to step out of a vicious cycle of domestic violence are heroines”.
Friday, 12th March, 2010, 16:00-18:00: book presentation “My world in Amsterdam ”, by Sharoq Hehmat Manesh. Mayor Ahmed Marouch will receive this book on a photography project by 200 Muslim youngsters from Amsterdam. Venue: Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Wibautstraat 80-86, Amsterdam.
Source of the previous three articles: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 5th March, 2010.
5th March, 2010: congratulations, Ahmed Marcouch, for this wonderful accomplishment, 12,000 preferential votes!:)
3rd March, 2010, Municipal elections: Marcouch, List 1, #29!
Saturday, 27th February, 2010, 17.00-19.00: opening "C3 the Conceptstore" by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. C3 the Conceptstore is a space for contemporary art, design, and fashion in Slotervaart. Venue: Jan Evertsenstraat 335, Amsterdam.
Monday, 1st March, 2010, 11.00-13.00: Mayor Ahmed Marcouch and MP Staf Depla will visit the college of wood and furniture. This school educates students to become a furniture-, or interior designer. Venue: Arlandaweg 173-175, Amsterdam.
Monday, 1st March, 2010, 14.30-15.30: opening DNA-project by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. The DNA-project is an anti-burglary project with synthetic DNA. The goal of this project is to increase the chance of capturing burglars and other criminals. Venue: Huizingaschool, Jacob Geelstraat 54.
Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010, 13.00-15.00: debate Fayza Oum Hamed. Preface by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. Subject: domestic violence. Author Fayza will hold her speech for teachers and social workers. Venue: Van de Sande Bakhuijzenstraat 2, gebouw Impuls.
Source of these four messages: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 25th February, 2010.
24th February, 2010:
Dear Mr. Rouvoet, Tonight, you will be in Amsterdam for your election campaign. I kindly invite you to join me for a drink at Muslim Gay Café "Habibi Ana"! - Ahmed Marcouch
WOMEN Inc. will organize its third international event on March 6th, 2010, at Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam. The week before the event, WOMEN Inc. will organize several evening meetings at Pakhuis de Zwijger, Amsterdam. Ahmed Marcouch is one of the "changemakers"!
Monday, 22nd February, 2010, 10.30-11.30: opening living accommodation for the Moroccan elderly, "Andalous", by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch and alderman Ineke Ketelaar. Open for friends, family, as well as visitors. Venue: corner Jan Tooropstraat and Postjesweg, Amsterdam.
Thursday, 25th February, 2010, 16.30-18.30: commemoration February Strike, 1941. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch and alderman Paulus de Wilt will attend the ceremony at the "Dokwerker". Venue: Jonas Daniël Meijerplein, Amsterdam.
Source of both messages: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 18th February, 2010.
Marcouch: restraining order shouldn't be this complicated.
The reason why a restraining order is applied so seldom is not that it is unknown or unfamiliar to the police. The reason is the complexity of gathering the acquired information. "Professionals have to provide the police with the information", according to Commissioner Gerard Kuijn, who stated this during a workshop on the subject of domestic violence. A restraining order is applied if the partners, i.e. perpetrator and victim, need a cool down-period. The perpetrator leaves the house for ten - if necessary up to 28 - days. This can happen even if the victim hasn't filed a report. The Assistant District Attorney will do research of the situation and the history of the case, to be able to decide if a restraining order might be useful. The process will go faster, if professionals already have filed some documentation on the case. It's even better if policemen are trained to do all the necessary preparation-work for the District Attorney. In Slotervaart, almost 500 residents have filed a report about domestic violence. However, only three restraining orders have been applied. Marcouch: "Don't make it too complicated. Rotterdam is a good example to us; over there, an Assistant District Attorney is fully dedicated to the issue of restraining orders. Last year, 450 restraining orders have been applied in Rotterdam".
Twenty children having a conversation with ex-refugees from World War II.
Wednesday, 24th February, 2010, twenty children, accompanied by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch, will visit the Museum of Resistance. They will speak with people who have lived through Word War II, as a child. The children, in the age of 10-12, among others, will speak with Mrs. Caransa-de Hond and Jan Vlietman. Mrs. Caransa, as a child, escaped from a day care center opposite the "Hollandse Schouwburg" (=Dutch Theater - FK), and was brought to a hiding place. Jan Vlietman, in 1941, participated in the February Strike, which was a demonstration against the arrest and deportation of Jewish boys and men, by the German occupying forces. The children will also participate in a workshop on philosophy, and they will take part in a film documentary. They are weekend students at the "Harmonieus Samenleven" (=Living Together in Harmony - FK) foundation.
Sunday, 14th February, 2010, 15.00-18.00, guest lesson at IMC Weekend School: a masterclass in politics, by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. Marcouch will tell the students about his career, and how it all started. They will ask him questions about this subject. Venue: Strawinskylaan 719, WTC tower A, 7th floor.
Wednesday, 17th February, 2010, 15.00-16.00: start of the campaign "Report crime anonymously". Mayor Ahmed Marcouch teaches a guest lesson at the Hervormd Lyceum West. It is a debate on how to react if you notice criminal behavior. Venue: Hervormd Lyceum West, Hemsterhuisstraat 79.
Thursday, 18th February, 2010, 12.00-13.00: opening renovated Pantar at Postjesweg, by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch and alderman Paulus de Wilt. Pantar Amsterdam provides people with a job, and also coaches them in the process. Venue: Postjesweg (entrance August Allebéplein).
Source of these five mesages: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 11th February, 2010.
A demonstration against the low quality of secondary professional education in The Netherlands was held by JOB (organization of Dutch students in secondary education). Ahmed Marcouch - chairman of the District City Council of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, and a candidate for the Amsterdam City Council (Labor, list 1, #29) - was there to support the students (10th February, 2010).
5th February, 2010, Ahmed Marcouch on the quality of Dutch secondary education: Ahmed@Pauw & Witteman (Dutch).
On Netwerk, 5th February, 2010, 20:25, Nederland 2:
Many classes in secondary professional education are canceled. This is a direct threat to the future of the students. Those were the ominous words of Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. This way, all the efforts to get the students to those schools are pointless. This is a documentary about this growing problem, not only in Amsterdam, but in the rest of the country as well (documentary in Dutch).
3rd February, 2010: going to the JOB (Youth Organization for Professional Education - FK) with high school students. It's time for students to demand what they are entitled to: education!
Regional high school students should report complaints.
Mayor Ahmed Marcouch wants to stimulate regional high school students to report complaints about lessons which are canceled. The complaints can be sent to info@slotervaart.amsterdam.nl . On 1st February, 2010, the Ministry of Education will publish the list of high schools which do not have enough educational quality. In three weeks, the Mayor will have a meeting with Ricardo Winter, who is a member of the board of supervisors for regional high schools. Mr. Winter responded to Ahmed Marcouch's New Year's Speech in which Marcouch expressed his concern about the regional high schools. Marcouch thinks that high schools who do not provide substitute teachers, in case a teacher is not able to give his/her class, should be fined. In Amsterdam-Slotervaart, complaints about canceled classes, schedule problems, and students skipping classes are filed on a daily basis.
Residents of Amsterdam-Slotervaart will place a floral wreath at the Auschwitz commemorative monument.
Residents of Slotervaart, who visited Auschwitz two years ago, will place a wreath at the Auschwitz Commemorative Monument in Wertheimpark, Amsterdam, on Sunday, 31st January, 2010, 11:00. From the City Hall, they will walk in a silent procession, which starts at 11:05. Mohamed Mallaouch, Lahcen Farah, Abdel Betti, and twenty other men from Amsterdam-Slotervaart, went to Auschwitz, Poland, for an excursion which lasted several days. They were the first group of Muslims which ever visited Auschwitz. They became friends with a group of elderly Jewish men from Israel, which they encountered in Auschwitz. The men from Slotervaart were specifically moved by the fact that Jewish prisoners were forced to clean the gas chambers themselves, and to remove the dead bodies, until they were gassed themselves, or died in another way. Marcouch has been visiting the memorial service for Auschwitz victims for years. During his days as a police officer, he also escorted the service. Auschwitz was liberated 65 years ago. If you want to register for the lunch meeting, at 13:00: info@auschwitz.nl , 020-6723388.
Source for both messages: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 28th January, 2010.
24th January, 2010: attending COC (Dutch gay rights organization - FK) New Year's Reception with juvenile social workers Amsterdam-Slotervaart. Pink in Blue (Gay police network - FK) is present as well. Big audience. Many good things are going on regarding gay rights!
24th January, 2010: I just opened the meeting before the start of the course "Gay Emancipation", for Moroccan and Turkish women. Emancipation policy Amsterdam-Slotervaart. Free to be who you are!
21st January, 2010:
Last week, three young men brutally attacked a father and his son, in their own home. They tied up the victims, and got away with a very small catch. The number of attacks of this sort is increasing in Amsterdam. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch went to visit the victims yesterday evening.
Marcouch wants to appoint special police teams to prevent this kind of burglary. Furthermore, citizens can secure their house by using a safety chain on the door. ''People who know the perpetrators of these crimes have the moral duty to report them to the police".
Source: Het Parool.
21st January, 2010: agenda Ahmed Marcouch (source: News from the Board, www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl).
Sunday, 24th January, 14:00-14:45: meeting about sexuality and diversity, introduction by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. During this meeting, women will get tips to discuss the topic of sexuality with their youngsters. Cultural background will be taken into consideration. Of course, fantasy and humor are important aspects of the meeting as well! Venue: 6 Jan Tooropstraat, Amsterdam.
Sunday, 24th January, 15:15-16:00: COC (the Dutch gay organization) New Year's Reception. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will be attending. During this reception, the Bob Angelo Award 2010 will be granted. Venue: Ons Huis, 14 Rozenstraat, Amsterdam.
Sunday, 24th January, 16:30-17:30: official opening Color your Dreams, by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. Color your Dreams is an initiative of The Color Kitchen. Ten youngsters - without any qualifications - are offered the opportunity to learn the cook's skills in a professional setting, in ten months. Is your age 18-24, and do you live in New-West? Apply before 24th January through www.colouryourdreams.org/inschrijven. Venue: 74 Jan Evertsenstraat, Amsterdam.
Tuesday, 26th January, 15:00-16:30: naturalization ceremony for new Dutchmen. Opening speech by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. Venue: Stadhuis, Boekmanzaal, 1 Amstel, Amsterdam.
Wednesday, 27th January, 15:00-17:00: final presentation of the Fashion Movement Project. 7th and 8th Grade students from the "Huizingaschool" perform a dancing fashion show, showing the garments they designed and made themselves. The presentation will be opened by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. Venue: Theaterzaal Woonzorgcentrum De Drie Hoven, 377 Louis Bouwmeesterstraat, Amsterdam.
18th January, 2010: violence against gays is the most horrible form of injustice: DA and police should make very clear to us how they handle reports of anti-gay violence. Excellent job, Pink in Blue!
Lack of emancipation: marriage-related debts completely take women by surprise!
"The social workers who apply themselves to help people in debt, notice that the divorce-rates among our Moroccan and Turkish women are increasing", stated Mayor Ahmed Marcouch during his visit to the social workers of "Impuls". To the women who stay behind after a divorce, the enormous debts often come as a complete surprise, a disastrous one. Yet, the ex-husband really has caused these debts during the time they were married. "Obviously, these women haven't ever had any insight in the family's financial situation" is Ahmed's conclusion. "This shows us a lack of emancipation. If women stay dependant on their husbands financially and economically, the high debt is only one of their many problems during, and after their divorce. The women stay behind completely overwhelmed by the situation, without knowing how to find a job, raise their children, run their household, or learn the language. This is the reason why the Work and Income Service, the Municipal Credit Bank, and the social workers of "Impuls" should work together, faster and better than is the case now". In Amsterdam-Slotervaart, several women's organizations - among which there are "Nisa for Nisa", and women's center VLAM - are working on the motivation of women to emancipate.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 14th January, 2010.
13th January, 2010: vote for Ahmed Marcouch at the municipal elections on 3rd March, 2010, Labor Party, number 29, and be sure he makes it into the City Council of Amsterdam!:) Your vote makes a huge difference, so - especially now - don't stay at home on March 3rd! Go and vote!
Vote for Ahmed Marcouch, Labor, number 29, on March 3rd!
12th January, 2010: all politicians involved should do community service and clean up the mess in Iraq!
11th January, 2010: Education, fighting poverty, safe neighborhoods, decent housing. Labor has to do it! Vote for Ahmed Marcouch, 3rd March, 2010, Labor #29.
(Second announcement) Invitation to the New Year's Reception on 7th January, 2010
Thursday, 7th January, 2010, 17:30-19:30, the District of Amsterdam-Slotervaart kindly invites you to the New Year's Reception, at the World Fashion Center, Koningin Wilhelminaplein 13, 1062 HH Amsterdam. Of course, residents of Slotervaart are invited, as well as "Slotervaart watchers", people from all over Amsterdam, colorful people, volunteers, scientists, politicians, administrators, and civil servants. Our New Year's Receptions have been visited by a lot of people, over the last few years. That is why we have chosen the World Fashion Center as our venue for the second year in a row. This will give you the opportunity to mingle. The New Year's Speech by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will start at 18:15. Please, give us notice if you want to come to the reception: nieuwjaarsreceptie@slotervaart.amsterdam.nl
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 23rd December, 2009.
For 2010: I wish all people happiness, a good health, well-being, and prosperity. Freedom for the oppressed! - Ahmed
24th December, 2009:
Sent Antuan Katolik Kilisesi is very crowded! Blessed be your celebrations of Christmas!
23rd December, 2009: EU should support the people of Iran in their goal to obtain more democracy and separation between religion and state!
Pink Christmas in Amsterdam, 19th December, 2009 (Dutch):
Invitation to the New Year's Reception on 7th January, 2010
Thursday, 7th January, 2010, 17:30-19:30, the District of Amsterdam-Slotervaart kindly invites you to the New Year's Reception, at the World Fashion Center, Koningin Wilhelminaplein 13, 1062 HH Amsterdam. Of course, residents of Slotervaart are invited, as well as "Slotervaart watchers", people from all over Amsterdam, colorful people, volunteers, scientists, politicians, administrators, and civil servants. Our New Year's Receptions have been visited by a lot of people, over the last few years. That is why we have chosen the World Fashion Center as our venue for the second year in a row. This will give you the opportunity to mingle. The New Year's Speech by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will start at 18:15. Please, give us notice if you want to come to the reception: nieuwjaarsreceptie@slotervaart.amsterdam.nl
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 23rd December, 2009.
"Ahmed Marcouch is the bravest administrator of The Netherlands"
Ahmed Marcouch is in the Top Ten of best administrators, next to Amsterdam alderman Lodewijk Asscher, and Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb. The Professional Magazine for Internal Affairs states: "Ahmed Marcouch is beyond any doubt one of the most audacious administrators in the country. Marcouch doesn't run away from the truth, is willing to listen, and appreciates the details. His approach towards citizens, by which he addressed their personal sense of responsibility, has resulted in the decrease of crime rate, as well as a cleaner environment, and entrepreneurs showing interest in Amsterdam-Slotervaart again". Marcouch says that he is mainly happy with the effect his policies have had on the residents of Slotervaart: "I haven't made it easy for them. I am proud when I see that youngsters are taking ownership of their own lives, and that their parents are involved in the children's schools".
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 23rd December, 2009.
About child abuse in Dutch mosques (18th December, 2009): children are like pearls; they deserve the best. Unacceptable to expose them to physical punishment, in one of the most civilized countries in the world! Parents, don't do this to your children!
Tuesday, 22nd December, 16.30-17.30. Ahmed Marcouch will open the new accommodation for juvenile center Oportuna. Youngsters and social workers will be present. Venue: Marius Bauerstraat 36c, Amsterdam.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 17th December, 2009.
Friday, 18th December, 2009. Ahmed Marcouch will reveal a legal graffiti site for youngsters in Amsterdam Nieuw-Sloten. Venue: Anderlechtlaan (near the skating area), Amsterdam.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 17th December, 2009.
17th December, 2009: opening new building for Elkadisia school. Thanks to the quality intervention by Asscher, this school is no longer being labeled as "weak"!
Social work for youngsters: "educate, do not just fight criminal behavior".
Make youngsters look in the mirror to see themselves, in order to make them start living instead of hanging out on the streets. Those were the words of Ahmed Marcouch, in front of four hundred juvenile social workers, coming from all over the country, at De Meervaart. “Appreciate yourself as an educational worker, don't accept to be used as a 'police man' for criminal youngsters”.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 10th December, 2009.
Sunday, 13th December, 2009, 15:30-18:00. Debate, organized by De Volkskrant, about happiness and unhappiness in The Netherlands. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will debate with the conservative Bart Jan Spruyt, and with Paul Schnabel (general manager of the Central Planning Agency). Venue: De Rode Hoed, Keizersgracht 102, Amsterdam.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 10th December, 2009.
Wednesday, 16th December, 2009, 13:00-14:30. Official 'liquidation' of the criminal group Jacob Geel neighborhood. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will be present. The liquidation of this group means that only one criminal group is left, at the Staalmanplein neighborhood. Juvenile social workers, police men, residents, and staff of the Slotervaart municipal office will be present. Venue: stadsdeelkantoor Slotervaart, Pieter Calandlaan 1, Amsterdam.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 10th December, 2009.
Thursday, 17th December, 2009, 18:00-20:30. Debate on migration and integration. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will discuss the subject of migration in the last few years, with Turkish and Moroccan youngsters. Other members of the panel: Ebru Umar and Paul Scheffer. Venue: Wiltzanghlaan 60, Amsterdam, (Juvenile Center MGT).
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 10th December, 2009.
Amsterdam Mayor Cohen speaking about Ahmed Marcouch (4th December, 2009, Dutch):
Ahmed Marcouch Dutchman of the year? Well, of course! Vote here.
Thursday, 3rd December, 2009, 00:00-01:00, Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will visit the staff of “Bagel and Beans”, to give them some support. During the last three months, this establishment has been broken into seven times. Venue: Bos en Lommerweg 333, Amsterdam.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 3rd December, 2009
Youngsters discuss honor, family, and sex.
On Thursday, 10th December, 2009, 17:00, seven youngsters will debate with Mayor Ahmed Marcouch about honor, respect, and sexuality. The special occasion is the publication of the book “RespectEER” (the title is a contraction of two words which mean “respect” and “honor”). In this book, seven youngsters of respectively Moroccan, Turkish, and Indian background discuss these topics. Adem Baskaya, 27 years old: “You cannot tell your son that he can do anything he wants, and, at the same time, tell your daughter she can't!”. Ahmed Marcouch: “There is a big gap between the taboos in non-western families and the reality in which youngsters live”. Information: www.movisie.nl . Register at: huiselijkgeweld@slotervaart.amsterdam.nl. Venue: stadsdeelkantoor Slotervaart, Pieter Calandlaan 1, Amsterdam.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 3rd December, 2009
Social workers fighting the phenomenon of “Loverboys”.
Approximately seventy probation officers, policemen, educational civil servants, youth coaches, teachers, and staff of the Juvenile Care Department were present at an information meeting about “loverboys” (young pimps who specialize in luring young girls into prostitution). This training, which educates professionals on how to recognize and fight human trade and pimps, at first was meant only for Amsterdam New-West and Amsterdam-North. However, professionals from all over town had subscribed. Several professionals from the Amsterdam Co-ordination Point of Human Trade, the Department of Sexual Offense, The Team Human Trade Amsterdam, and “Meisa” (an organization which specializes in helping young women and girls) were training with actors. Ahmed Marcouch: “We should protect our women and our girls”.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 3rd December, 2009
Freddy Konstantinou: Ahmed Marcouch still needs your support, Dutch Labor members! Come to the meeting on 7th December, 2009!
2nd December, 2009: I welcomed Sinterklaas at the August Allebéplein. Wonderful atmosphere, especially for and with the children! Lovely tradition!
29th November, 2009 -
Reaction Ahmed Marcouch, to the article in "Het Vrije Volk"
(http://www.hetvrijevolk.com/index.php?pa gina=9935):
I firmly believe in a strict separation between state and religion. I will fight radical Islam and "Islamization" everywhere I can. Just consider my Program on Anti-radicalization, my policy on the emancipation of homosexual people, the fact that I fight for people's right not to believe, or their right to abandon Islam, my response to fundamentalist Imam Fawaz, and many other examples, which are not mentioned here.
Ahmed Marcouch welcomes Sinterklaas at Allebéplein.
On Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009, All children of Amsterdam-Slotervaart will have the opportunity to meet Sinterklaas. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will personally welcome Sinterklaas round 14:00 at August Allebéplein. Sinterklaas and his helpers will visit the library and the entrepreneurs of Amsterdam-Slotervaart. For the children, there will be a creative workshop, after which they can come dancing at the Discoshow. Entrance to, and participation in the activities is free. The program will start at 13:00, and will end at 17:00.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board.
Tuesday, 1st December, 2009, 19.30 - 22.00. Ahmed Marcouch will open an evening with a literary theme, with Kader Abdollah. Kader will read to the audience, from his books "The messenger" and "The Koran", after which a debate will take place. Venue: OBA Slotervaart, Pieter Calandlaan 87b.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board.
Sunday, 29th November, 2009, 13.00 - 18.00. Debate on exclusion, polarization, and radicalism. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will have a public discussion on these subjects, with Coskun Cörüz (MP, CDA), Marietje Schaake (MP for Europe, D'66), Tofik Dibi (MP, Groen Links), Sadet Karabulut (MP, SP), Paul de Krom (MP, VVD).
Venue: Muzyq, Atlantisplein 1, Amsterdam Oost-Watergraafsmeer.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board.
21st November, 2009: welfare is just an emergency-bandage! People have to work, and they should be payed properly!
21st November, 2009: interesting discussion with Moroccan men, about gay rights, Habibi Ana etc.!:)
Integration into Dutch society by boat, with Ahmed Marcouch.
Fifty volunteers from Amsterdam-Slotervaart traveled by boat - in the company of Mayor Ahmed Marcouch - over the Amsterdam canals, passing contemporary and historical sites. Good willing people, of both Dutch and foreign origin, got acquainted with each other, with each other's history, and with the role water has played throughout the history of both The Netherlands as well as Amsterdam. Marcouch: "The start was a bit awkward. Women and men were sitting on opposite sides of the boat. However, later on, people got used to each other's company. Of course, the fact that one could not leave the boat, helped a lot!;) Proud, emancipated women took their place behind the steering wheel of the captain".
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the Board, 19th November, 2009.
19th November, 2009:
I'm making a sincere choice for Amsterdam New-West. How about the Labor Party members: will they choose change or the status-quo? Will they be active, or will they be in denial?
18th November, 2009:
Eberhard, we don't need a Muslim Party to make sure Muslim women come to class!
"Het gesprek", Marga van Praag and Ahmed Marcouch, Sunday, 8th November, 2009 (Dutch)
Portrait of Ahmed Marcouch (in Dutch).
Saturday, 7th November, 2009, 20:00-0:00 "Museum Night" in Amsterdam. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch, together with fourteen youngsters from his District, Amsterdam-Slotervaart, will visit the Portuguese Synagogue, Artis (Zoo), and several museums.
Source: www.slotervaart.nl, News from the Board, 5th November, 2009.
Monday, 2nd November, 2009, 18.30-21.30. Wilders unveiled. Debate on the five years after the murder of Theo van Gogh. Ahmed Marcouch will contribute and take part as well. Venue: "Jongerencentrum Argan", 141 Overtoom, Amsterdam.
About Emile Ratelband (24th October, 2009): several people have reported Emile Ratelband to the police, because of the things he has said about homosexuals. So they should: it's a crime.
Safety Week: do the residents of Amsterdam-Slotervaart think the level of safety has increased?
Wednesday 14th October, 2009, from 17:00 - 19:00, Mayor Ahmed Marcouch will ask the residents of Slotervaart what they think of the measures which have been taken to increase the level of safety in the different neighborhoods in Amsterdam-Slotervaart. Problematic groups of youngsters and statistics provided by the police indicate a higher level of safety. Do the residents experience this as well? The meeting is part of the Safety Week Slotervaart (12th-16th October, 2009). Several thematic meetings will be held on a daily basis, with subjects like safety, burglary, robbery, possession of weapons, bad behavior of youngsters on the streets, as well as crime, the juvenile justice system, and domestic violence. Program (Dutch): www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl/veiligheid Venue: Municipal Office Slotervaart, Pieter Calandlaan 1. Apply (Dutch): veiligheidsweek2009@slotervaart.amsterdam.nl.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl, News from the District City Board, 8th October, 2009.
October 8th, 2009:
Working on election program Amsterdam New-West 2010-2014, together with fellow Labor Party members.
October 5th, 2009:
Teachers Day! Every single day, I am grateful for my teachers and for the things they have taught me. Their patience and their wisdom!:)
Some members of the District City Council Amsterdam-Slotervaart filed a motion against Ahmed Marcouch (week of 27th, September, 2009), because they say he does not respect the secularity of Amsterdam/Dutch politics. This motion has been rejected.
Christian schools refuse to admit gay teachers! Some Dutch Christians are a very bad example to the people of new religions (Muslims, but others as well) in The Netherlands.
Just read Fayza Oum Hamed! Unfortunately, there are thousands of Fayzas. Actually, every politician should read this book!
Ahmed Marcouch: "I don't understand why young people feel so much hatred and resentment against the police". (Link is only in Dutch: http://rondom10.ncrv.nl/)
Eed ul Fitr for gay Muslims: council members Bouzrou and Kattouss will attend!
Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, Ahmed Marcouch, will open Eed ul Fitr party on Friday, September 25th, 2009, 23:00, at Club Havana in Amsterdam. The party is organized by Habibi Ana. This year, Ahmed Marcouch will be accompanied by council members, Miloud Bouzrou and Hassan Kattouss. Actually, they were the only two council members who originally voted against Ahmed's policy on gay liberation. However, in the meantime, they have changed their minds. Last year, when Ahmed Marcouch also opened the Eed ul Fitr party, 30 Muslim men called him to explain himself the next day at the office of the District City Council of Amsterdam-Slotervaart. The subject of homosexuality and Islam was discussed thoroughly. This discussion eventually resulted in the recognition of gay Muslims, that is, by a part of this group of men. Following this discussion, the policy on gay liberation was written. Venue of the party: Club Havana, Reguliersdwarsstraat 17. Time: 22:00. Price: Euro 17,50.
Source: www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl
Forced marriage is a barbarian habit, and, on top of that, a crime!
Recession asks for stories of greatness. Values are more important than ever!
Discussion at Pauw & Witteman between two Christian men of clergy. Well, Muslim imams should do exactly the same: debate and discuss!
Moslimas! Be rebels against this silent agreement within the Muslim community, taking women's freedom away! Demolish the bars you find yourself behind!
Amsterdam Gay Capital! Gay people will live, recreate, become entrepreneurs in Amsterdam!
Philosophy is not just a privilege for the happy few. Philosophical thinking and morality will do us the world of good, here in Slotervaart as well. (Occasion: "Philosophical Café" at the "Polder Mosque", 8th September, 2009)
On Friday, September 25th, 2009 the first Arabic/Turkish Gay Dance party for men will take place, organized by Habibi Ana (which means dear darling). This party is organized to celebrate the end of Ramadan (Ramadan begins this year on August 20th and ends of September 21st). The party will be officially opened by Mr. Ahmed Marcouch, Chairman of the Slotervaart District City Council.
The party begins at 22.00 hours and ends at 05.00 hours and will be held at Havana, Reguliersdwarstraat 17-19, 1017 DJ Amsterdam.
There will be 3 different DJ's playing at the party - with a mix of Arabic, Turkish and Tribal music. The DJ's are DJ AHMED, DJ SERTAN and DJ GOODPRIDE GENTLE.
Tickets are 15,00 Euro (pre-sale) and 17,50 Euro at the door - but only if tickets are still available!
Tickets available from Havana, Reguliersdwarstraat 17-19, 1017 DJ Amsterdam and Habibi Ana Bar, Langeleidsedwarsstraat 93 hs, 1017 NH, Amsterdam.
You may also order tickets on line at orie1979@hotmail.com
Habibi Ana aims to be a place to go to for all young people with a Muslim background. Gay men of all nationalities are welcome to celebrate this party with us.
23rd August, 2009: Police Commissioner Welten has a good point when he states that rap artists - often subsidized! - in their lyrics stimulate hate and voilence. This to me is just as unacceptable as the fact that men of faith (clergy, imams) do the same thing.
Just (August 19th, 2009 - FK) had a conversation with Frank Schalken about a great project! It is called Hulpmix.nl ("Helpmix.nl") where young people with social and psychological problems can get help online! Social work in The Netherlands is not used to this modern way of providing help, so chances are that the finances will run out, because no one feels responsible!
Yesterday (August 14th, 2009 - FK), I went to the Jewish Historical Museum with my daughter. I was very much impressed by the exhibition. All schools in Amsterdam should send their students to this exhibition! I was impressed by the position of the Moroccan king, during World War II. He said that all Moroccan Jews were indeed Moroccans, and that he would not extradite any of them, nor would he force any Moroccan Jew to emigrate.
This is quite the contrary of the position of the Western countries which extradited their Jews to the Nazis.
I ran into many acquaintances during my visit. My daughter and I have learned a lot and we truly enjoyed the encounters we had with several people.
The exhibition will be finished at the end of September, so make sure you make time to go there!
Soccer: Slotervaart youngsters play against gays.
Tonight at 6 PM, youngsters from Amsterdam-Slotervaart will play against a team of gays at Sportpark Sloten. Mourad Ezzoubaa created the team of Slotervaart youngsters,
especially for this occasion. Mourad: "Every single member of the team want to show the world that it is OK to be gay. It wasn't hard to find the team players".
Source: Intranet Slotervaart, July 29th, 2009.
Rachid Larouz and Kami-Kazi at the opening of Gay Pride.
Cabaretier Rachid Larouz and rapper Kami-Kazi will open Gay Pride in Amsterdam-Slotervaart, together with Mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, and Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, Ahmed Marcouch. The opening ceremony starts Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 10 AM on the beach of the Nieuwe Meer. At 11.30 AM, the public will salute the opening boat, with Mayor Cohen and Mayor Marcouch on it. They will then leave for the Westerdok, where all the other Pride boats will be waiting. Dennis Boutkan, chairman of the Dutch Organization for Gay Rights (COC) and ProGay-chairman Frank van Dalen will leave from Slotervaart as well. Marcouch: “I want all gay people in Slotervaart and in the new-west of Amsterdam to be visible. We all have to fight for individual freedom, which include the rights of gay people. So I call on all residents of Slotervaart, to come and salute the opening boat!". Location: Paviljoen Aquarius, Anton Schleperspad 10, www.paviljoenaquarius.nl
Ahmed, from Morocco (July, 2009):
Heavy discussion about gay rights, on the terrace of a cafe in the center of Izanen. The most important question is: how is it possible that Marcouch, being a Muslim, defends gay rights? It is pretty impressive when you realize how big the influence of European Muslims can be in the process of "exporting" the emancipation of gays and women! Especially women don't have enough rights in this part of the world. It would make a world of difference if the local government would support women activists in founding a center for women's emancipation. Education, learning how to stand up for yourself, to break all kinds of taboos which stand in the way of emancipation. Here in Bouyafar, I see support as well as resentment for my policy on gay rights. An important newspaper like al-Masaa also reported on it.
Ahmed Marcouch receives National Municipal Award (June 10th, 2009).
Mr. Ahmed Marcouch, Mayor of the District City Council of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, received the National Municipal Award today. He received this award from the Board of Supervisors of Dutch Municipalities, because of his accomplishments as a builder of bridges between the different nationalities and (ethnic and religious) groups in his District.
The Chairman of the Board, Annemarie Jorritsma, gave the award to Mr. Marcouch during the annual congress of the Board, in Flevoland. In the report of the jury, Mr. Marcouch receives credits for the fact that he doesn't care about taboos, being an advocate of people who have less opportunities than others, in his District. At the same time, he doesn't hesitate to address, and confront, criminal youngsters.
In April, 2006, Mr. Marcouch started as Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, a western part of Amsterdam. Before that, he had worked for the Amsterdam Police Force, and as a teacher for the Regional Educational Center, for ten years. Mr. Marcouch is well known for his strong endeavors to work on the integration of the Muslim community, within and outside Slotervaart. He did this as spokesman and chairman of the Union of Moroccan Mosques in the Amsterdam Region, and later as a politician for the Dutch Labor Party.
Sources: web site Northern-Holland Broadcasting Corporation (only available in Dutch, RTVNH ), web site Board of Dutch Municipalities (only available in Dutch, VNG ), translation into English by Freddy Konstantinou.
The USA Embassy has invited the Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, Ahmed Marcouch, to join a study trip to the USA to visit Washington, among other American cities.
Some interviews, conversations, and visits, based on the theme of "integration", will be a major part of his traveling schedule. A study trip like this is part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, organized from the 27th April until the 16th of May, 2009, by the Embassy of the USA.
"If politicians express their criticism towards religion, everybody loves it. However, if a politician takes people's religious backgrounds seriously, and if he says something positive about religion, everybody is furious".
Support Moroccan youth: "Come on, we could do with some more self reflection!"
October 31st, 2008, Intranet Amsterdam Slotervaart.
On the 29th of October, 2008, 80 Moroccan youngsters came to the Juvenile Center Argan in Amsterdam, to have a debate with Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. They were very upset with him, because he addressed the problems of the Moroccan community in The Netherlands in such direct, sharp words. "With the things you state in the media, you criminalize the Moroccan community". This was said by a young female student. "You are damaging our image".
In a very lively debate, about some controversial issues, Ahmed Marcouch explained his way of addressing the problems in the Moroccan community: "You are not to blame for the problems, on the contrary, you are the solution! You must not express your solidarity with ethnicity, but you should express your solidarity with the victims of injustice".
The atmosphere changes. The youngsters agree with Ahmed Marcouch when he states: "You have to be critics, you have to condemn misbehavior". The young people stand up one by one to applaud the Mayor. A young man says: "I am proud of my Moroccan heritage, and proud of my Muslim faith. Islam stands for compassion, education, and self reflection. Come on, guys, we could do with some more self reflection!" Anger clears the way for support. The female student wants a job at Marcouch's office.
Eed ul Fitr for gay Muslims. - AMSTERDAM - Saturday, October 4th, a special celebration of Eed ul Fitr for gay Muslims will be held in Amsterdam. It is organized by Habibi Ana and Nafar, two foundations promoting gay rigths in the Muslim community.
During the event, which will be held at the disco of the Dutch gay rights organization, COC, there will be music played by Zyriab and DJ Abdel. Belly dancers will perform as well.
Mayor of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, Ahmed Marcouch, will also attend this celebration.
Source: RTVNH News, October 2nd, 2008.
Chairman of the District City Council of Amsterdam-Slotervaart, Ahmed Marcouch, has received "The Golden Pin", as one of the residents of Amsterdam, who has accomplished and achieved the most in 2007. Ahmed accepted this honorable token of appreciation on Sunday, January 6th, during the elections of "Amsterdam resident of the year".
Intranet Slotervaart, January, 2007.
"I have Jewish, Christian, and homosexual people as my friends. I like to acquire knowledge about other cultures. I taught myself to be aware of cultural differences.In The Netherlands, I see a society in which tolerance and diversity are very important, and in which people discuss these themes in a civilized manner. A society in which young people take the opportunity to educate themselves. We can achieve this by debate, better schools, and a strict policy on the obligation to go to school. I accept Dutch values and liberties like abortion and homosexuality, because they are my liberties as well.
Ahmed Marcouch, September, 2007.
Konstantinou: "Ahmed Marcouch shows us that God has bigger dreams for us than we can ever imagine".
Everybody is hopeful about Ahmed Marcouch, the president of the District City Council of Amsterdam-Slotervaart. A very challenging job, which sometimes seems impossible. How can we cure Amsterdam-Slotervaart from its flaws and even illnesses, if you will? What sacrifices do we need to make? Ahmed Marcouch is building bridges (and we need bridge builders in our New Age!). His task is burdensome and the risk of being hated for what he believes in is everywhere. Still, he is doing what has to be done: honestly, sincerely, and indestructibly. Let's be still for a while, and think about what he could accomplish, and, what WE could accomplish!
Vote for Ahmed Marcouch, Labor, number 29, on March 3rd!