A day with Jort Kelder and friends

Today, in the category of curious moments in the twenty years that I have been engaged with the Kennedy assassination: a day in a tiny Amsterdam theater with Jort Kelder and his friends. The JFK Night, as the Dutch TV personality had christened the day. It happened exactly ten years ago today.

Jort Kelder is our national suspenders-wearing dandy, known for his posh diction and outspoken opinions. I appreciated his invitation.

Right behind Dam Square, on Sint Pieterspoortsteeg, lies the small Torpedo Theater. It could only accommodate about seventy people, and the individuals I met there on Sunday November 24, 2013, were clearly of a different ilk than this then only 30-year-old provincial. I remember getting into conversations that day about favorite tailors in England and the daily activities of a young guy who had never had to work for his livelihood. ‘I enjoy hosting people,’ he said. But they were all interesting individuals: journalists, politicians, some Dutch celebrities like Prem Radhakishun, Felix Rottenberg, and Lauren Verster, and some friends of Jort Kelder.

We talked a lot about the main characters in this case, such as the victim and the alleged perpetrator. We discussed conspiracy theories and all the main and side issues related to the murder. Occasionally, images I was already familiar with appeared on the big screen. In between, we enjoyed a gourmet hamburger from a food truck that had set up outside. After we shared all the stories, it was time for a drink. A beautiful day in our capital, one I won’t soon forget.

A week later, I received a fine. I was speeding on the way there. ‘If only Kennedy had driven that fast in Dallas,’ remarked a friend. Well.

Thanks again, Jort, for this amazing and interesting experience.