The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte (@MinPres), took to his official Twitter account on October 8, 2023, to share a heartfelt tribute to Jack Keijzer. Jack Keijzer, a man driven by tragedy, has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about the horrific crimes that befell his sons, Pascal and Remy, and to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
In his tweet, Prime Minister Rutte expressed his admiration for Jack Keijzer’s unwavering dedication, stating, “After the terrible murder of his son Pascal, and later the heart-wrenching loss of his other son Remy, Jack Keijzer became a man on a mission.” He went on to highlight Jack’s efforts in educating schools, community spaces, churches, and prisons about the tragedies that befell his sons, emphasizing that such incidents unfortunately still occur.
Jack’s ultimate goal, as highlighted in the tweet, has been to encourage reflection without judgment, particularly among young people, in order to steer them onto the right path. Through his involvement with the Federation of Homicide Bereaved (FNG), Jack has made a significant difference in the lives of many individuals who have experienced similar losses. It is largely thanks to him that since 2012, more than one grieving family member can speak in court, seeking justice for their loved ones.
The tweet further emphasized the power of the victims’ voice, as Jack has become an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. By using their words, bereaved family members can uphold the rights and give voice to those whose rights have been severely violated. Jack Keijzer found his own voice when the silence seemed deafening.
In a heartfelt farewell ceremony, held earlier today, Jack Keijzer stepped down as the chairman of the FNG. Prime Minister Rutte had the great honor of presenting Jack with a well-deserved Royal Honor, the Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
This recognition serves as a testament to Jack’s unwavering commitment to victims’ rights and his relentless efforts to make a difference in the lives of countless people affected by tragedy. The Netherlands commends Jack Keijzer’s dedication and thanks him for his tireless advocacy. (*)