Teens arrested in Jewish family attack on New Year's

An investigation into a fireworks attack on a Jewish family in Amsterdam’s Rivierenbuurt neighbourhood led to the arrest of three teens, Amsterdam mayor Eberhart van der Laan said on Thursday. The family involved said the three shouted anti-Semitic phrases while trying to kick the door of the house in on New Year’s Eve.

Mayor Van der Laan was troubled by the “very serious” incident. “At a minimum you could call it intimidation. The people are really shocked,” he said at Thursday’s city council meeting in response to questions submitted by VVD councilor Dilan Yesilgoz.

The family said that in addition to the anti-semitic shouting, the teens also shouted for a free Palestine.

The suspects were released after questioning, and given a 60-day restraining order. The mayor would not speculate on a motive while the police investigation is in progress, according to newswire ANP.

He wants to meet with the family, who have lived in Amsterdam for decades. “They are very happy in the neighbourhood,” he said. “They have a great deal of contact with both the Muslim and the Jewish world.”

The family is of Jewish-Iraqi descent, the newswire reported.