B’nai B’rith UK Statement on the Violence Towards Israelis in Amsterdam
B’nai B’rith UK is sickened and appalled by the violence directed towards Israelis in Amsterdam on Thursday night. Video footage clearly shows how Israelis were hunted down and savagely beaten by what appear to be Arabic speaking groups in the city. It has been rightly likened to a pogrom from an earlier time and we welcome the strongly worded condemnation from the King and Prime Minister of Holland.
Yet regrettably it is no surprise that it has happened. For a year, capital cities across Europe, including London, have been convulsed by anti-Israel protests, ones which have seen antisemitic tropes and incendiary language used on many occasions. It is shocking but not surprising that the result is an orgy of premeditated violence against Israelis.
We call on the Dutch authorities to ensure that such assaults cannot recur and that Israelis and Jews, along with other communities, can feel safe and welcome in Holland. We also call on the authorities in the UK to display maximum vigilance against copycat attacks against the Jewish community.
Dr Jeremy Havardi
Director, Bureau of international Affairs
