The event to which Eltahawy refers took place two years ago. Its title, ‘Waarom haten ze ons eigenlijk?’ (‘Why do they hate us?’), gives some indication of its polemic nature (video link). The event was organized after the terrorist attacks in Brussels on March 22, 2016 by Werkelijkheid in Perspectief, an organization that claims to offer a podium for thinkers that would otherwise be overlooked. The topic was discussed between a set of right-wing and far-right politicians and political thinkers. Amongst these thinkers were politicians from anti-immigration party FvD and the ex-leader of the Flemish section of controversial anti-Islam movement Pegida. During this event, the panel discussed the de-Islamization of Western countries under the guise of a totally free debate. In her letter and in following tweets, Eltahawy explained how the things that were said that night were “… an outrageous affront to fundamental human rights and a dehumanization of Muslims.” She went on to explain that, to her and many other Muslims around the world, “this is not a theoretical debate.”

Eltahawy’s cancellation at De Balie resulted in a resurgence of the public debate about how supposedly ‘theoretical’ discussions are not as theoretical to those affected. De Balie has since reacted publicly to Eltahawy’s cancellation and criticism towards the venue. De Balie states on its website that the views that were presented in the event were strongly rejected by the venue at the time, though it stressed that their stage should be one where everyone can voice their opinion and “engage in dialog.” This last statement has sparked outrage among many on social media, with users calling into question whether the Netherlands’ liberal attitude toward ‘dialog’ and the ‘exchange of ideas’ legitimizes racism and Islamophobia.