The New Kristallnacht: Antisemitic Attacks in Amsterdam Demand Global Action

Amsterdam, a city celebrated for its rich history and cultural diversity, last week witnessed and ultimately enabled the hunting of Jews precisely 86 years after Kristallnacht. These attacks targeted Jewish residents and Israeli visitors, leaving communities in fear and a global Jewish population demanding immediate action.

The recent assaults in Amsterdam are not isolated incidents but part of a broader orchestrated wave of antisemitic violence that, if unchecked, could spread across Europe. This rising hostility is not random; it reflects deeper social issues within some European communities where parallel societies have emerged, creating distinct social and cultural structures that contribute to division and resentment.

In countries like France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and Sweden, members of specific communities feel disconnected from broader society. Within these communities, elements harbor a vision of eliminating Israel, fostering anti-Jewish sentiments, and even advancing the Islamization of their regions. This ideology poses a complex and growing challenge as some groups pursue these goals through democratic processes, strategic settlement, and even potentially more forceful means.

The events in Amsterdam reflect the seriousness of this issue. Protesters emboldened enough to record and share acts of violence and intimidation targeted Jews and Israelis with beatings and harassment. Dutch authorities detained approximately 125 people during these incidents; however, most were quickly released, with uncertain long-term legal consequences. The swift release and lack of serious repercussions sends a worrying message—that such acts may go unpunished or worse are met with indifference.

This issue is not confined to Europe. Signs of similar tensions are increasingly visible in Canada and the United States. As these societal rifts deepen, it becomes even more urgent for communities and governments around the world to take a stand against antisemitism and protect the values of tolerance.

As President of the Jewish Future Promise, I am acutely aware that our mission to preserve and protect the Jewish future extends beyond any single nation. Now is the time for Jewish communities and our allies worldwide to stand together—not only to condemn these violent acts but to take concrete steps that protect Jewish life everywhere. Our mission includes demanding protection and justice when our community is under attack.

We cannot allow any part of the world, to become a place where Jews and Israelis fear for their safety simply because of their identity. I call upon every individual, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, to recognize the urgency of this moment.

Amsterdam has the opportunity to turn this moment of shame into a moment of transformation—a time when we all come together to secure a future built on safety, dignity, and resilience for generations to come. The question is whether authorities and citizens alike will rise to this challenge or allow the darkness of history to creep back into our present.