Letters about “Islamization” delivered to Groningen mosques just before Ramadan

Three Turkish mosques in the Netherlands have received letters warning against the “Islamization” of society, citing past attacks, including the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. The letters reference the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which begins next week, as the reason for the threats, according to the Islamic Stichting Nederland (ISN).

ISN, an umbrella organization for 150 Turkish mosques in the Netherlands, confirmed that its mosques in Leeuwarden, Groningen, and Harderwijk recently received the letters. The foundation has urged mosque administrations to file police reports.

A spokesperson for ISN said mosques often receive letters around Islamic holidays, but not typically in advance of Ramadan. “You have to spend your energy on these kinds of unnecessary things,” he said. “Mosque boards usually report it, and then it goes on, but actions like this are a distraction.”

Police units confirmed they are aware of the letters and are in contact with the affected mosques. Regarding the Harderwijk letter, a spokesperson for the Oost-Nederland police said the sender’s identity is unknown. “At this moment, we have no information indicating a direct danger,” the spokesperson said.

A police spokesperson for Noord-Nederland said officers are extra vigilant for any new reports or suspicious activity near the mosques in Leeuwarden and Groningen. Currently, no criminal offenses have been identified.

The letters follow a series of similar incidents last fall, when mosques in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Arnhem, and The Hague received hate letters, some of which appeared to be smeared with blood.