Radical Islamist group claims synagogue fire in Rotterdam exposing growing hostility toward Jews across Europe.
A synagogue belonging to the Jewish community in Rotterdam was set on fire early this morning in what authorities suspect to be an extremist attack. The blaze began around 3:40 a.m., damaging the entrance of the building before the flames eventually extinguished on their own. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Dutch police confirmed the fire and appealed to witnesses to provide information that could help investigators identify those responsible. Authorities are examining footage circulating on social media in which a group calling itself “Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia” claims responsibility for the arson attack.
The video shows the synagogue entrance engulfed in flames. Analysts believe the same extremist group may also be behind a similar attack earlier this week on a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, where an explosive device detonated around 3:38 a.m. Similar timing, video style, and propaganda elements strongly suggest a coordinated effort targeting Jewish communities in Europe.
Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten condemned the attack, stressing that antisemitism and intimidation have no place in the city. The incident has deeply shaken the local Jewish community.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sharply criticized the Netherlands following the attack, accusing the country of hypocrisy for intervening in legal actions against Israel while failing to adequately confront rising antisemitic violence targeting Jewish communities.
