Jewish residents in Netherlands live with constant fear after attacks

In the spring of 2026, the Netherlands experienced a series of attacks on Jewish institutions, including an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam and an arson attempt at a synagogue in Rotterdam. Authorities prevented a second attack and have since arrested multiple suspects, though their cases are still before the courts. The incidents underscore a persistent rise in antisemitism, with reports remaining "worryingly high" since October 7, 2023. The National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism highlighted the alarming trend.

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I always look around me.

Last year, police registered 867 cases of antisemitism, accounting for over a quarter of discrimination cases recorded by the Public Prosecution Service, despite Jewish people making up less than 0.3% of the Dutch population. Jewish institutions have long faced heightened security measures. In response to the recent attacks, Justice Minister David van Weel allocated funds for enhanced security at Jewish schools, religious buildings, cultural institutions, and events. The Amsterdam authorities described the incidents as targeted assaults on the Jewish community and vowed to take "maximum measures."

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Hamas Hamas, all Jews to the gas. Death to the Jews.

NRC spoke with eight Jewish residents about their experiences. Nati Banet, a 27-year-old psychology student, shared his feelings of constant vigilance. "I always look around me," he said. Banet, who wears a kippah daily to express Jewish identity, recounted a frightening incident two years ago where a man on a bicycle yelled antisemitic slurs and threatened him. "Hamas Hamas, all Jews to the gas. Death to the Jews," the man shouted. The cyclist pursued Banet, who called emergency services. The man fled when onlookers appeared, and was not apprehended by police. This experience left Banet looking over his shoulder for months, altering his daily routes and making him wary of strangers.

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I can shoot too!