Smoke bombs at protest against Isreali singer in Amsterdam; 22 arrested

The police arrested 22 demonstrators during a protest at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam against the performance of Israeli cantor Shai Abrahmson. The man has ties to the Israeli army. Protesters set off smoke bombs. One officer sustained minor injuries when the police intervened.

The Palestine-support protesters set off red and green smoke bombs between Museumplein and the Concertgebouw. Several hundred people were demonstrating on the Museumplein against Abrahamson’s performance at private Hanukkah celebrations in the Concertgebouw.

The protesters carried Palestinian flags and chanted things like “Concertgebouw, shame, blood on your hands,” translated from Dutch. They also chanted “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israeli army, and “child murderers,” referring to the at least 20,179 children killed by Israeli attacks on and starvation of the Gaza Strip.

The police kept protesters behind fences, warning them to remain there or be arrested. “You can demonstrate, but keep it clean,” they said. Riot police had formed a line in front of the fences. Police also set up a barrier to keep spectators who were not part of the protest at a distance.

The arrested protesters are suspected of violating the Public Assemblies Act (WOM), the General Local Bylaw (APV), possession of fireworks, failure to show identification, and resisting arrest. They will be questioned, and the judiciary will decide whether to take further action.

Abrhamson also often performs at ceremonies for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). For this reason, the Concertgebouw initially cancelled the Hannukkah concert, but ultimately reached a compromise with the organizers.