Video: Explosion hits Jewish school in Amsterdam after synagogue attack in Rotterdam

An explosive device detonated overnight against the outer wall of a Jewish school in Amsterdam-Buitenveldert, authorities said Saturday, in the latest in a series of incidents targeting Jewish institutions after a synagogue in Rotterdam was attacked with fire a day earlier.

The blast occurred during the night from Friday to Saturday at the Cheider, an Orthodox Jewish school providing both primary and secondary education, located on Zeelandstraat in Buitenveldert, AT5 reports.

Authorities said the explosion struck an exterior wall of the school building. Investigators are examining camera footage that shows the suspect placing and igniting the explosive device. Unverified video circulating on social media also appears to show the explosion, followed by a person leaving on a scooter.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten called it "horrifying." "I understand the anger and fear, and I will speak with the Jewish community promptly. They must always feel safe in our country," he wrote on X.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the incident and described it as a deliberate attack on the Jewish community.

“This is a cowardly act of aggression toward the Jewish community,” Halsema said. “I understand the fear and anger of Jewish Amsterdammers. They are increasingly confronted with antisemitism and that is unacceptable. A school must be a place where children can safely receive an education. Amsterdam must be a place where Jews can live safely.”

The Amsterdam “triangle” — the mayor, police and prosecutors — also said it considers the explosion a targeted attack against the Jewish community and is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. Authorities said they are working closely with national security services and are in contact with representatives of the Jewish community. Additional security measures are being implemented.

Jewish schools and institutions in the city have long had permanent security. That protection was intensified earlier this week after attacks on Jewish sites in Belgium and the Netherlands, including a synagogue in Luik and the fire set at a synagogue in Rotterdam overnight from Thursday to Friday.

Images circulating online show the same logo in the Amsterdam video as in footage from the Rotterdam fire. The Center for Information and Documentation on Israel said the symbol belongs to the Islamic movement Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyyah, which earlier this week claimed responsibility for the attack on the synagogue in Luik. Authorities in Amsterdam have not confirmed any connection between the incidents.

Officials said the heightened surveillance in Amsterdam helped police respond quickly and obtain footage of the explosive being placed and ignited.

Justice Minister David van Weel referenced the two incidents in a post on X, writing: “Two nights in a row a cowardly attack with an explosive at a Jewish building. First in Rotterdam, now in Amsterdam.” He added that greater damage in Amsterdam was prevented because of “measures and alertness.”

Following the Rotterdam arson attack, police arrested four suspects on Friday: two 19-year-old men, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy. They were detained in a car near another synagogue. Police said it was not yet clear whether they were planning another attack.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the Rotterdam incident as “deeply disturbing,” saying it has caused significant fear within the Jewish community. He added that antisemitism has no place in the Netherlands and that intimidation or violence against religious minorities will not be tolerated.