University of Amsterdam reopens after pro-Palestinian protests prompt 2-day closure

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) will open again on Thursday, a spokesperson confirmed to NOS. The university has been closed for two days after a pro-Palestine protest on Monday turned into vandalism and clashes with the riot police.

“We will open again tomorrow. We certainly considered a longer closure, but the importance of continuing education and research comes first,” the UvA spokesperson said, adding that they find the risk of new demonstrations acceptable. “Otherwise we would not be doing this. Many students will soon have exam week, the impact would be enormous if we closed now.”

The UvA board urged students and lecturers to maintain the peace. “We continue to engage in discussions within the university, but do not allow vandalism, intimidation, and occupation,” the spokesperson said.

There have been encampment- and walkout protests at Dutch universities since last week, with demonstrators protesting against Israel’s war in Gaza, their universities’ continued ties with Israeli institutions, and police intervention in student protests. The protests have been peaceful in most places, but in Amsterdam, they regularly devolved into massive vandalism and clashes with the police.

On Monday, demonstrators remained behind after a peaceful walkout ended and were joined by others, including people dressed in black and wearing masks. The masked group led the charge into the UvA building on Roeterseiland and caused extensive damage, the university said. The riot police eventually intervened and broke up the demonstration. The UvA pressed charges.