Amsterdam Pogroms and Global Surge Antisemitis

The Pogrom in Amsterdam

In early November 2024, Amsterdam, renowned for its tolerance and diversity, became the scene of widespread riots that drew international attention due to their antisemitic nature. Following a football match between Israel's "Maccabi Tel Aviv" and the local club "Ajax," a mob attacked Israeli fans. The events were quickly characterized as a pogrom, with attackers seeking out Jews, using Palestinian flags, and shouting antisemitic slogans.

- Causes and Reaction:

- The events were triggered by tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but quickly escalated into targeted violence against Jews regardless of their political views.

- The response from authorities was mixed. Some politicians called for stricter security measures and even the mayor's resignation, while the Israeli government took steps to evacuate its citizens.

Pogroms and Violence in Russia

Russia, too, is no stranger to such acts of violence. In recent years, several high-profile events have occurred:

- Pogrom in Makhachkala:

- In 2023, a riot broke out at Makhachkala Airport when a crowd searched for "Jews" trying to prevent their departure. The incident was connected to tensions caused by the war in Gaza. The Russian authorities condemned the violence and conducted an investigation leading to arrests.

- The General Issue:

- In Russia, as in other countries, ethnic and religious tensions sometimes lead to outbreaks of violence. These incidents often reflect deeper social and political problems, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Events in Other Countries

- Antisemitic Incidents in Europe:

- In various European countries, from France to the UK, antisemitic attacks occur from time to time. These events are often linked to flare-ups of violence in Israel and Palestine but also reflect broader issues of racial and religious intolerance.

- Precedents in the USA:

- While the US has its history of antisemitism and violence, modern incidents tend to be less widespread than in Europe. However, attacks on synagogues, like in Pittsburgh in 2018, show that there is still a threat.

Analysis

These events raise questions about the safety of national minorities, the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing and responding to mass violence, and the roots of antisemitism and extremism in modern society. They reflect:

- Political Exploitation:

- Some political forces use such events to fuel nationalist or anti-immigrant sentiments.

- Need for Dialogue:

- There is a need for ongoing dialogue between different ethnic and religious groups, as well as educational programs aimed at combating prejudice.

- International Cooperation:

- Such incidents underscore the necessity for international cooperation in fighting extremism and protecting citizens from hate-based violence.

These incidents serve as a reminder that even in countries with high levels of democracy and freedom, conflicts based on ancient prejudices can flare up, and addressing them requires both local and global efforts.

Our condolences go out to the Jewish community in the Netherlands