Explosion damages Amsterdam Jewish school in 'deliberate attack'

An explosion outside a Jewish school in Amsterdam that the city’s mayor characterized as a “deliberate attack against the Jewish community” caused light damage to the building.

The explosion damaged a rain pipe and charred part of an exterior wall, but no injuries were reported, according to a report by Reuters. Mayor Femke Halsema said the incident was being taken seriously and that security at Jewish institutions would be increased as a result.

"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."

The location is the only Orthodox Jewish school in the entire country and had already been protected by a metal wall due to prior threats. Jewish institutions in Amsterdam had already increased security following an attack at a synagogue in Rotterdam on Friday. Additionally, there was an explosion at a synagogue in Belgium on Monday.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the attack as “horrible,” saying it caused an understandable level of "fear and anger" among the ⁠Jewish community. This comes at a time when concerns are already rising about attacks following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

“Two nights in a row, a cowardly attack with an explosive at a Jewish building. First in Rotterdam, now in Amsterdam,” Jetten posted on X. “Thanks to measures and alertness, greater damage has been prevented. The safety of Jewish institutions has our full attention. An investigation into the perpetrators is underway.”

In a follow-up post, the prime minister added, “Terrible. In the Netherlands, there must be no place for antisemitism. I understand the anger and fear and will quickly engage in talks with the Jewish community. They must always feel safe in our country.”