Assimilating Jews in Dutch nation-building: the missing 'pillar'

Until the Second World War the Netherlands housed a Jewish minority, which varied from 1.4% to 2.2% of the Dutch population in the 1800-1940 period. In this paper an analysis is made of their numerical development and geographical distribution based on census data, and of the consequences of the Jewish demography and geography for the assimilation into Dutch society. Among other factors, it appears that the small size of the Jewish population, their strong geographical dispersion, their strong propensity for internal migration, their orientation towards rival liberal and socialist institutions in Amsterdam have prevented the rise of a Jewish 'pillar' and encouraged assimilation into Dutch society.