In the early hours of Saturday morning, an explosion has severely damaged an Orthodox Jewish school in Amsterdam, leading to increased worry over the security of many Jewish Organizations across Europe.
Dutch law enforcement officers are classifying the explosion as a targeted attack, with no one believed to have been injured and limited damage caused by the explosion.
The explosion and resulting damage have triggered worry from Dutch authorities. Authorities can now turn their attention to antisemitic violence and security issues faced by Jewish institutions throughout Europe.
Blast Occurred Outside Orthodox Jewish School
The explosion occurred outside of the Orthodox Jewish school (located in Amsterdam), which is situated within the southern district of the City of Amsterdam. According to law enforcement officials, suspects pulled up to the school on a scooter, placed a bomb next to the school building’s wall, and fled prior to the device exploding. The explosion caused some damage to the school’s exterior wall and rain gutter, but did not damage significant portions of the building structure.
Authorities believe that the explosion occurred whilst the building was empty, thereby allowing the victims, Jewish school children, to escape injury. Emergency services responded quickly, conducting an evidence gathering investigation, and reviewing surveillance from the site.
Read also: Controlled Explosions Aid Recovery in Sierra Nevada Avalanche
Mayor Condemns ‘Deliberate Attack’
Amstedam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, condemned the explosion as ‘deliberate attacks against the Jewish community,’ and stated it’s a sign that there have been more incidents of anti-Semitism directed towards Jewish residents living in Amsterdam and made clear her belief that such events should not be tolerated.
Dutch government leaders also showed support for the Jewish community. They issued statements saying they would do everything possible to provide additional protection for Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centers.
Police Begin Investigating, Are Looking For Suspects
Police are doing a large scale investigation into this incident and searching for the perpetrators of the bombing. A person allegedly placing the bomb on the site of the explosion has apparently been recorded on video via one of the surveillance cameras and police are reviewing this footage, looking for any and all witnesses to whom they would like to question regarding this, or any other suspicious activity they may have noted within the neighborhood.
Additionally, at least 5 young men were arrested for acting suspiciously near a different synagogue in the Netherlands and authorities are actively investigating whether these individuals are connected to this bombing or are involved in any bombing or vandalism against Jewish establishments.
Read also: Loud Explosions In Venezuela After Trump Warns Of Ground Strikes
Rising Security Concerns
Another incident of violence against Jews occurred in Amsterdam. This attack happened during an increase in tensions that included reason for the attack, prior to the explosion is still under investigation by authorities in The Netherlands. Examples of recent tension leading to this attack includes an arson occurrence at a Rotterdam Synagogue.
Increased patrols and added security are going on around Jewish religious and community buildings across the country. There have been, not only in Amsterdam, but across Europe-extremist group activity and the potential for attacks against religious buildings; his has placed security agencies of all countries monitoring this activity and alerted to the possibility of attacks.
A versatile writer mainly works on trending news, daily updates from politics, business, crime, current affairs and entertainment.
