Dutch Antisemitism Reaches New Highs, Threatening Jewish Community
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Antisemitism in the Netherlands has reached record levels, with Jewish and Israeli residents reporting around 700 incidents in the past two years. These range from property damage, including a bombing at a Haredi school and arson at a synagogue, to violent assaults and online threats. The rising hostility has led some, like long-time resident Lior Ashkenazi, to consider leaving the country, while community leaders like Rabbi Dovi Finkovitz have reinforced their institutions. The situation has created a climate of fear for the approximately 40,000 Jews living in the Netherlands.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Netherlands has seen a sharp rise in antisemitism, with about 700 incidents against Jews and Israelis in two years.
- Incidents include bombings at a Haredi school and a pro-Israel center, plus synagogue arson.
- Jewish residents report violent attacks and being called "cancer Jews."
- Chabad emissary Rabbi Dovi Finkovitz has fortified his center with security measures.
- Israeli students have faced expulsion and death threats due to their identity.
- Long-time residents like Lior Ashkenazi are considering leaving due to escalating hostility.
The Netherlands, once considered one of Europe's most tolerant and secure nations, is experiencing a significant rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, creating a threatening reality for its Jewish and Israeli residents. In the past two years alone, approximately 700 antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents have been recorded, a sharp increase compared to previous years.
These incidents range from violent attacks and property damage to more severe acts. Examples include an explosive device detonated at the "Cheder" Haredi school in Amsterdam, the arson of a synagogue in Rotterdam, and an explosion at a pro-Israel center in Nijkerk. Jewish symbols have become targets in Amsterdam, with a father and son, David and Elimelech Awers, recounting a violent assault where they were called "cancer Jews."
Jewish institutions are also under threat. Rabbi Dovi Finkovitz, a Chabad emissary, has fortified his center with security cameras and special bulletproof doors imported from Israel due to threats. The rising hostility affects not only religious Jews but also Israelis, including those critical of the war. Student Daniel Peri was expelled from a community center after being identified as a former IDF soldier, and fellow student Tamar Efrati received online death threats, forcing her to stop attending classes.
Personal experiences highlight the pervasive nature of this hostility. Lior Ashkenazi, a resident for 28 years, described being physically abused by a dentist who discovered she was Israeli, leading her to consider returning to Israel. Yoram Baron, a long-time boat captain in Amsterdam, receives hateful messages and wishes of ill will, expressing a feeling that history is repeating itself.
Approximately 40,000 Jews currently live in the Netherlands under increasing pressure from public spaces, academia, and the general atmosphere, which has shifted dramatically from its previous reputation.
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