Parool columnist Natascha van Weezel receives Rotterdam's In Praise of Folly award, a first for an Amsterdammer
Natascha van Weezel, a writer and Het Parool columnist, has become the first Amsterdammer to receive the prestigious Rotterdam Lof der Zotheidspeld. The award recognizes her ongoing work as an independent voice and bridge-builder in public discourse.
Writer and documentary filmmaker Natascha van Weezel has been awarded the Rotterdam Lof der Zotheidspeld, an achievement award presented to her by Mayor Carola Schouten in the city's Laurenskerk. Van Weezel, who is a columnist for the Amsterdam-based newspaper Het Parool, is the first person from Amsterdam to receive this honor. The prize is awarded annually during the birthday week of the humanist Desiderius Erasmus to individuals recognized for their bridge-building efforts and independent voices in public discourse. During the ceremony, Mayor Schouten noted the significance of an Amsterdammer receiving this Rotterdam-based award while reflecting on the legacy of Van Weezel's late father, journalist Max van Weezel. Upon accepting the award and a 1,500-euro cheque, Van Weezel emphasized the continued importance of pursuing dialogue, referencing the teachings of Erasmus and her own experiences as a communicator. Her work, including her book Hoe houd je je hart zacht? and her documentaries, focuses on fostering connection amidst political and social polarization.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
