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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Dutch Member of Parliament Geert Wilders has strongly condemned recent anti-Semitic attacks in Amsterdam, describing them as a shocking escalation in aggression against Jewish residents. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on Wednesday, Wilders demanded immediate legal action, including the deportation of individuals convicted of participating in the attacks if they hold dual nationality. According to a report on the RAIR Foundation USA website, the incidents unfolded before and after last week’s soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The attacks in Amsterdam reportedly involved groups of individuals donning black hooded clothing and waving Palestinian flags as they moved through Amsterdam on foot, scooters, and in cars. These groups harassed and physically assaulted Jewish residents, often using coordinated tactics. Taxi drivers are accused of assisting the attackers, who specifically sought out Jewish individuals, according to RAIR Foundation USA.
Wilders drew a poignant historical parallel during his parliamentary address, noting the attacks occurred on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the infamous coordinated anti-Semitic pogroms in Nazi Germany and Austria. “On the same day that Kristallnacht was commemorated, we saw Muslims on the streets of Amsterdam hunting down Jews,” Wilders declared, characterizing the incidents as a “pogrom of the worst kind.”
The attacks reportedly included shouting Arabic and Palestinian slogans, as well as incidents of individuals being forced to show identification to prove they were not Jewish. Video footage shared widely on social media showed victims being harassed and even thrown into canals, according to the RAIR Foundation USA report. Wilders described it as a miracle that there were no fatalities in what he referred to as a “razzia,” invoking the term used for Nazi round-ups during World War II.
Wilders criticized Dutch law enforcement for what he described as a failure to act decisively. RAIR Foundation USA reported that Wilders expressed incredulity that no arrests were made during or immediately after the attacks. “How is it possible that after the football match, on that evening and night, none of these so-called Islamic ‘Jew-hunters’ were arrested? Not a single arrest was made that night,” he said. Wilders went further to state, “Our rule of law is in shreds and will remain that way as long as these terrorists go unpunished.”
This inaction has fueled public concern about the Netherlands’ ability to respond effectively to hate crimes. Wilders has consistently advocated for tougher policies to address anti-Semitism, especially in light of rising tensions attributed to Muslim migrant communities.
In his address, Wilders urged the Dutch government to take swift and decisive action. He called for stricter enforcement of laws against hate crimes, the deportation of convicted attackers with dual nationality, and robust measures to protect Jewish and other vulnerable communities. “This jihad on the streets of beautiful old Mokum [Amsterdam] last week made it look more like ISIS territory,” Wilders stated, according to the report on the RAIR Foundation USA website.
Wilders argued that the attacks not only threaten public safety but also erode the social fabric of the Netherlands. He reiterated the need for decisive leadership to ensure that such incidents do not go unpunished, emphasizing that the government must restore public trust by acting forcefully against anti-Semitic violence.
The incidents in Amsterdam are part of a broader trend of escalating anti-Semitic violence across Europe. The report on the RAIR Foundation USA website highlighted concerns over the role of migration in contributing to rising tensions in cities like Amsterdam. Critics, including Wilders, argue that more proactive policies are needed to address the integration of migrant communities while safeguarding the rights and safety of all citizens.
In Wilders’ view, the attacks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Europe in addressing antisemitism. He has called for increased accountability, deportations, and public education campaigns to combat hate-driven violence. “The solution begins with swift legal consequences and restoring safety to our streets,” Wilders stated.
