An explosive device detonated early Saturday against the outer wall of the Cheider Jewish school in Amsterdam's Buitenveldert district, causing limited damage but no injuries.
The incident occurred overnight from Friday into Saturday at the school on Zeelandstraat, in the city's modern Jewish quarter that includes synagogues and religious institutions. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the blast as "a deliberate attack against the Jewish community" and a "cowardly act of aggression."
Police responded quickly alongside firefighters, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage that captured a suspect placing and igniting the device before fleeing on a scooter. The Amsterdam authorities, including the mayor, police and prosecutors, are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and coordinating with national security services.
Halsema expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, "I understand the fear and anger of Jewish Amsterdammers. They are increasingly confronted with antisemitism, and that is unacceptable." Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten echoed the sentiment, saying, "There must be no place for antisemitism in our country," and pledged talks with Jewish leaders to ensure their safety.
The attack follows a pattern of recent incidents targeting Jewish sites in the Netherlands. On Thursday night, an arson attack damaged a synagogue in central Rotterdam, leading to the arrest of four suspects: three men aged 18 to 19 and a 17-year-old boy, apprehended near another synagogue. Social media videos from both scenes reportedly show the same logo associated with Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyyah, an Islamic movement that claimed a synagogue attack in Liege, Belgium, earlier this week, though police have not confirmed any links.
Security around Jewish institutions in Amsterdam had already been heightened this week in response to these events and broader concerns over antisemitism amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Israel's foreign ministry described the Amsterdam incident as part of an "antisemitism epidemic raging" in the Netherlands, urging stronger action from Dutch authorities.
No group has claimed responsibility for the school explosion, and police continue their investigation with appeals for witnesses. Justice Minister David van Weel noted that greater damage was averted due to existing security measures and heightened alertness.
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