AMSTERDAM, March 14 (Reuters) - An explosion damaged a Jewish school in Amsterdam early on Saturday, in what the city's mayor described as "a deliberate attack against the Jewish community". The
Explosion at Amsterdam Jewish school was 'deliberate attack', mayor says
Details and Reactions to the Amsterdam Jewish School Explosion
Incident Overview
AMSTERDAM, March 14 (Reuters) - An explosion caused minor damage to a Jewish school in Amsterdam early on Saturday, in what the city's mayor described as "a deliberate attack against the Jewish community".
The explosion at the school in an upscale residential neighbourhood on the south side of Amsterdam damaged a rainpipe and charred an outer wall. It caused no injuries.
Official Responses
Mayor's Statement and Security Measures
Mayor Femke Halsema said the incident was being taken very seriously and would lead to increased security at Jewish institutions.
"This is a cowardly act of aggression against the Jewish community," Halsema said.
"Jewish people in Amsterdam are increasingly confronted with antisemitism. This is unacceptable."
Background on the School
The school is the only one specifically for orthodox Jews in the Netherlands, and is largely fenced off by a pointed, metal outer wall due to earlier threats.
Prime Minister's Reaction
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called Saturday's attack "horrible" and said it understandably caused fear and anger in the Jewish community.
"The safety of Jewish institutions has our full attention," he said in a post on X.
Related Incidents and Broader Context
Heightened Security Measures
Security at synagogues and Jewish institutions in the Dutch capital had already been heightened after an overnight arson attack at a synagogue in the centre of Rotterdam on Friday.
Incidents in Neighboring Countries
In neighbouring Belgium, an explosion caused a fire at a synagogue in Liege on Monday.
Global Concerns
Rising Fears of Attacks
Concerns about possible attacks against Jewish communities around the world have risen following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and a subsequent response from Tehran.
(Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Tom Hogue and Toby Chopra)
