Bombing at Jewish School in Amsterdam
An explosion damaged the exterior wall of a Jewish school in Amsterdam, with the city’s mayor labeling it a clear act of anti-Semitic aggression.
The explosion occurred at Cheder, a Jewish school located in the Buitenveldert area, as reported by the NL Times. This institution serves Orthodox Jewish students from primary through secondary education. Fortunately, the blast caused only minor damage, and there were no injuries reported. Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, condemned the incident, describing it as a targeted attack on the Jewish community.
“This is a despicable act of aggression against the Jewish community,” Halsema stated. “The fear and anger felt by Amsterdam’s Jews is entirely understandable. They are currently facing increasing anti-Semitism, which is simply unacceptable.”
Authorities have obtained surveillance footage that reportedly shows an individual setting up and detonating the explosive device. Additionally, another video on social media appears to show the suspect escaping on a scooter. The city’s leadership, including the mayor, police chief, and prosecutor-general, have collectively classified the bombing as a deliberate act against the Jewish residents of Amsterdam and are coordinating with national security bodies.
Justice Minister David van Weel emphasized the troubling trend of recurring violence, noting that “two consecutive nights have seen heinous attacks on Jewish buildings, first in Rotterdam and now in Amsterdam.” Van Weel credited existing security measures for preventing more significant damage.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten echoed the sentiment that anti-Semitism should have no space in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry expressed deeper concerns, claiming that “anti-Semitism is endemic in the Netherlands,” pointing to prior incidents in Amsterdam and Rotterdam involving attacks on Israeli soccer fans in November 2024. The report from the BBC also mentioned rising tensions in Europe following military operations involving Israel and the U.S. against Iran.
This bombing follows a recent attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam where explosives were also used. Four suspects aged between 17 and 19 were detained after being apprehended near another synagogue. A group named Ashab al-Yamim has taken responsibility for the recent violence targeting Jewish facilities, and a synagogue in Liege, Belgium, was bombed just the previous Monday.
