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A Jewish school in Amsterdam was damaged by an explosion early on Saturday, in what the city’s mayor, Femke Halsema, described as ‘a deliberate attack against the Jewish community.’ The incident occurred in an upscale residential neighborhood on the south side of Amsterdam, causing limited damage to the school. No injuries were reported, thanks to the quick response of police and firefighters. The attack is the latest in a series of anti-Semitic incidents in the region, including an overnight arson attack at a synagogue in Rotterdam on Friday and an explosion that caused a fire at a synagogue in Liege, Belgium, on Monday. Mayor Halsema condemned the attack, stating that ‘Jewish people in Amsterdam are increasingly confronted with antisemitism. This is unacceptable.’ The Dutch Prime Minister, Rob Jetten, also denounced the attack, calling it ‘horrible’ and assuring that the safety of Jewish institutions has the government’s full attention. The incident has raised concerns about the rise in anti-Semitic attacks globally, particularly in the wake of recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the subsequent response from Tehran. In Pakistan, where religious minorities have faced similar challenges, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased vigilance and cooperation to prevent such attacks. The Pakistani government has consistently condemned acts of terrorism and extremism, and it is essential for the international community to come together to address the rising tide of anti-Semitism and ensure the safety and security of all religious communities.
