Rotterdam synagogue arson is shocking, says mayor, minister, Jewish community

The mayor of Rotterdam, Carola Schouten, expressed shock after an act of arson targeted a synagogue in the city. The fire was set overnight between Thursday and Friday at a synagogue on A.B.N. Davidsplein in the Blijdorp area, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The fire was started at approximately 3:40 a.m. and extinguished itself shortly afterward. Police have launched an investigation. The attack has stirred significant fear among Jewish residents of the city, according to Mayor Carola Schouten. She emphasized that Rotterdam will not tolerate antisemitism, intimidation, violence, or hostility toward religious groups and said authorities will maintain strict security around the city’s synagogues.

Police are also examining an unverified video spreading on social media that seems to show an explosion at a building resembling the synagogue. The footage has been added to the investigation. On Friday morning, the Jewish Community of Rotterdam (Joodse Gemeente Rotterdam) could not yet be reached for comment.

Justice and Security Minister David van Weel believes the arson attack likely has an antisemitic motive. While investigators still need to determine the exact circumstances and identify those responsible, the minister said he is prepared to assume that antisemitic violence was involved. He made the remarks while arriving at the weekly Cabinet meeting, speaking as a member of the VVD.

“It is an arson attack at a synagogue,” said Van Weel. “It is, of course, possible that someone has a personal issue with the rabbi. But in this case, I’m not going to assume that.” He pointed out that the Jewish community has long been a target of intimidation and violence.

Van Weel said he understands those concerns well. “I want them to be able to feel safe in the Netherlands. And that’s something we will also discuss.” He emphasized that it is primarily up to mayors to determine whether additional security measures are needed around synagogues.

The minister is not currently assuming that Iran was involved in the arson attack. “That would really have to emerge from the investigation,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged that the threat posed by Iranian intelligence services to, among others, Jewish institutions has been known for some time. “So we are monitoring that very closely, including over the past few weeks since the conflict in Iran escalated.”

Recent security warnings in Europe have highlighted that tensions involving Iran can increase risks of terrorism, intimidation, and cyberattacks within the European Union, prompting authorities to stay alert.

Eddo Verdoner, the Netherlands’ National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism, has said that footage showing flames at the entrance of a synagogue in Rotterdam evokes memories of “dark times in history” and has had a profound impact on the Jewish community.

“It is in the interest of society as a whole that we do everything possible to ensure the Jewish community in the Netherlands can live freely and safely,” said Verdoner. “If this small minority is not safe, it undermines the core values of our democracy.”

Zvi Aviner Vapni, Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands, described the arson as “highly disturbing.” He emphasized that with antisemitism on the rise in the country, it is crucial to confront hate decisively and protect the Jewish community’s security.

“Let there be no doubt: antisemitism is a malignant tumor,” said the ambassador. “If it is not treated, it destroys its host. I have full confidence that the authorities will handle this incident with the seriousness it deserves.”

The Central Jewish Consultation (CJO) condemned the arson attack as a “physical expression of hatred toward Jews,” saying the community is deeply shaken. Chairman Chanan Hertzberger warned that antisemitism in the Netherlands is no longer a fringe phenomenon and is growing increasingly bold, now even targeting the entrances of places of worship. The CJO urged politicians and officials to respond immediately and take decisive action.