The incident took place on the night from Thursday to Friday in front of the building at ABN Davidsplein in the Blijdorp district of Rotterdam. Approximately At 3.45 a short fire broke out in front of the entrance, preceded by an explosion visible in recordings published on social media. No one was injured.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday evening near another synagogue. The police said that one of the cars attracted the attention of officers due to its driving style, and the driver matched the description of the person suspected of involvement in the explosion in Rotterdam. Investigators have not yet determined whether the detainees were planning another attack on the synagogue.
Synagogue fire. “The incident was anti-Semitic in nature”
Justice and Security Minister David van Weel called the arson “terrible news.” He also talked about intimidation of the Jewish community. In his opinion, it is very likely that the incident was anti-Semitic in nature. The mayor of Rotterdam, Carola Schouten, said the incident caused great anxiety among the city's Jewish residents. She assured that the authorities continue to monitor the security situation around synagogues.
Who is suspected of setting fire to a synagogue in Rotterdam?
What are the details about the incident itself?
What does the Minister of Justice say about the nature of the incident?
What security measures are in place at the synagogue in Rotterdam?
Footage of the fire was verified by public broadcaster NOS. The account that posted it on social media had previously also shared footage of the explosion at a synagogue in Liege, Belgium. The author of the entry argued that an Iraqi group supported by Iran was behind the attack, but no evidence has yet been provided to confirm this thesis; the police announced that the material would be included in the investigation.
Schouten noted that it is still unknown whether the cases in Rotterdam and Liege are related. The president of the synagogue, Chris den Hoedt, described the incident as a deliberate attack on the Dutch religious community. He emphasized that the material damage is limited, but the emotional consequences are serious, and that the incident is – in his opinion – part of the growing wave of anti-Semitism.
The Rotterdam synagogue has been protected for about 15 years. Security measures include monitoring and the presence of military police during religious gatherings. Van Weel said he has already contacted the Jewish community, which remains very concerned.
