Worthy Christian News > World News > Amsterdam Jewish Schools Closed Over Fears Of Attacks

Amsterdam Jewish Schools Closed Over Fears Of Attacks

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

AMSTERDAM/LONDON (Worthy News) – Jewish schools in the Dutch city of Amsterdam will close on Friday, Jewish children’s organization Cheider said amid mounting tensions in the Netherlands over Israel’s declared war “against Hamas terrorists.”

Cheider did not give the reason for the closure but confirmed Dutch media reports saying the decision was taken with the “safety of pupils and teachers in mind.”

Within the Dutch Jewish community, there are fears of attacks after Hamas called for protests across the Muslim world on Friday to support Palestinians, the Dutch Center for Information and Documentation Israel said.

It also comes after dozens of Israeli flags were burned in the Dutch fishing town of Urk, though residents said they would “not be intimidated” and instead hoist more Israeli flags.

Yet despite fears of attacks several thousand people gathered on Amsterdam’s Dam Square, some tearfully carrying the Israeli flag, in support of Israel amid the school closures.

Across the sea in London, two Jewish schools will be closed until Monday for the safety of children, British media said, after a spike in reported incidents of antisemitism in Britain following the outbreak of war in Israel.

Torah Vodaas Primary School and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School, both in north London, had informed parents about the closure, Sky News broadcaster said.

Amid safety concerns, Britain’s Home Secretary Suella Braverman said waving a Palestinian flag on British streets “may not be legitimate” any longer if it is deemed to be a show of support for acts of terrorism.

The cabinet minister told police officers to use the “full force of the law” against any shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the British Jewish community after the attack on Israel, British media reported.

With bodies of massacred people still warm in Israel, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy in London’s Kensington area to demonstrate that evening, letting off fireworks, lighting flares, and chanting “Israel is a terrorist state” and “Free Palestine.”