March 14, 2026, 11:01 amMarch 14, 2026, 11:01 am
There was an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam during the night. Police, public prosecutors and mayor Femke Halsema spoke of a targeted attack on the Jewish community, which they take very seriously.
The search is on for a person seen in video surveillance images who planted and detonated the explosive device. No one was injured and there was minor property damage. Further background information was not yet known.
Traces are still visible on the wall.Image: keystone
“This is a cowardly act of aggression against the Jewish community. “I understand the fear and anger of Jewish Amsterdammers,” said the mayor. “They are increasingly confronted with anti-Semitism and that is unacceptable. A school must be a place where children can be educated safely. Amsterdam must be a place where Jews can live safely.”
Prime Minister warns against anti-Semitism
“That’s awful. There must be no place for anti-Semitism in the Netherlands,” reacted Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. “I understand the anger and fear and will contact the Jewish community immediately. You must always feel safe in our country.”
The city announced that Jewish schools and institutions in Amsterdam would be permanently guarded. After the attacks on synagogues in Rotterdam the day before and in Liège, Belgium, at the beginning of the week, security has already been increased and, in addition to specific measures, there is permanent and increased surveillance. This allowed the police to intervene immediately.
In Rotterdam, police arrested four suspects aged 17 to 19 on Friday after the arson attack on a synagogue, which also caused minor damage. They were at another synagogue at the time. It is unknown whether an arson attack was also planned there. (sda/dpa)
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