An explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam has been classified as a deliberate attack against the Jewish community, according to the city’s mayor. The overnight blast caused minimal damage to the school’s exterior wall in the Buitenveldert district, with no reported injuries.
Mayor Femke Halsema described the incident as a “cowardly act of aggression” and emphasized that Amsterdam must remain a safe haven for its Jewish residents. Prime Minister Rob Jetten echoed these sentiments, stating that antisemitism has no place in the Netherlands.
This event follows heightened security measures at Jewish institutions nationwide, prompted by a suspected arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam just days prior. Police and firefighters responded swiftly to the school explosion, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage that reportedly shows an individual planting explosives.
Mayor Halsema acknowledged the “fear and anger” felt by Jewish residents, who have faced increasing antisemitism. While an investigation is ongoing, police have not yet publicly disclosed a motive for the attack. Concerns have been raised globally about potential targeting of Jewish and US communities following recent joint Israeli-US strikes on Iran.
The Israeli foreign ministry has characterized the situation in the Netherlands as an “antisemitism epidemic,” citing recent attacks in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, as well as a prior incident in November 2024 involving Israeli football fans. The ministry urged the Dutch government to intensify efforts to combat antisemitism.
Fonte: BBC News
