Israeli soccer fans, visiting Amsterdam for a match, were hunted through the streets of the city by an Antisemitic, pro-Palestinian horde. Dozens were injured, and those who managed to escape, in the city famous for Anne Frank, were forced to hide or conceal their identities to survive.
This horrific attack, on the eve of Kristallnacht’s anniversary, was not a random act of violence but a chilling reminder of the dangers that unchecked hatred poses to Jewish communities worldwide. It’s a grim echo of the past, but it’s also a warning about the failure to address the growing threat of Antisemitism in our time.
The pogrom in Amsterdam is a direct consequence of years of neglect and inaction when it comes to combating Antisemitism.
For too long in Europe and around the world, both public leaders and law enforcement agencies have downplayed or ignored the rise in Jew-hatred, dismissing it as an unfortunate side effect of political conflict rather than recognizing it as a dangerous, growing ideology that must be countered with urgency.
These same institutions and agencies who constantly blame the rise of Antisemitism on Israel’s wars of self-defense have never been able to answer why no other conflict ensures such hate and violence on European streets. No other civilians with religious or national affiliations to countries who are involved in conflicts are ever targeted.
The fact that this only happens to Jews is not just telling, it is the only factor of importance. It is blatant Antisemitism, excused as something else, and this has led to a certain amount of neglect, disregard and excuse-making.
The consequences of this are now visible in the streets of Europe, where Jewish individuals are hunted and openly targeted for simply being Jewish.
This is not just an isolated incident, nor a tragic byproduct of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
It’s part of a wider, global surge in radicalized Antisemitism. Anti-Jewish violence has been escalating in recent months, and it’s becoming clear that the resources dedicated to addressing this crisis are insufficient.
Statements of condemnation are no longer enough. We need action: robust legislation on European , national and municipal levels, stronger law enforcement, comprehensive education programs, and, crucially, the allocation of significant resources to combat Antisemitism on every front.
This is not merely a matter of public relations; it is a matter of public safety
The pogrom in Amsterdam should serve as a wake-up call to governments, intelligence agencies, and Jewish organizations worldwide.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and agencies responsible for the security of Jewish communities must not treat this as another isolated incident but as part of a disturbing trend that demands immediate and coordinated action. The leaders of Jewish communities around the world must also step up, ensuring their institutions are prepared for the challenges posed by this surge in violence.
It is time for the National Security Council to take charge of this issue, bringing together all the relevant agencies, law enforcement, intelligence, diplomatic missions, and Jewish organizations. We need the best and most experienced people possible for this mission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be at the center of coordinating on-the-ground efforts, leveraging its global network of embassies and consulates to ensure a swift and effective response. A unified approach, with clear roles for each stakeholder, is essential to protect Jewish communities, both in Europe and beyond.
We must also rethink the frameworks in place for countering Antisemitism
At the moment, the various government bodies involved in this effort operate in silos, with limited communication and coordination between them. This fragmented approach has not been sufficient to tackle the problem head-on. A comprehensive and integrated strategy must be developed, one that includes robust and comprehensive legislation with strong punishments, education, community support, and global cooperation to address the root causes of radicalized Antisemitism, wherever they are found.
The violence in Amsterdam is not an anomaly. It is part of a broader trend that must be addressed immediately if we are to prevent more bloodshed and ensure the safety of Jewish people everywhere.
We must act now before it’s too late. We owe it to those targeted and injured in the streets of Amsterdam, to the generations that came before us, and to the generations that will come after us.
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The writer is the chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact and Member of the Board of Governors of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, a former CEO of the World Jewish Congress, and former CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees of World ORT