Scores of Jewish activists from the World Betar movement gathered in central Amsterdam on Sunday to protest against the resurgence of antisemitism in Europe.
The afternoon demonstration in the city’s Dam Square, which was held adjacent to a heavily guarded pro-Palestinian protest, came on the heels of a violent, organized attack on Thursday night by scores of Muslim assailants on Israelis in Amsterdam for a soccer game which left five Israelis treated in the hospital and another 20 with light injuries.
“As a European Jew, I am outraged by the recent events in Amsterdam’s center, where a pogrom reminiscent of dark days in our history took place,” said Faissal Umer, Betar Europe’s national coordinator. “We are here as proud Jews to declare that what happened to our brothers and sisters over 80 years ago will never happen again. Today, in the heart of Amsterdam, we say loudly: Never Again!”
“Our activists are unafraid to stand up for the Jewish people and Zionism,” said Yigal Brand, CEO of World Betar. “We are here in Amsterdam with the spirit of Ze’ev Jabotinsky—proud, determined, and resilient. If the authorities cannot ensure the safety of our communities, we will raise our voices even louder and defend ourselves.”
Founded in Riga, Latvia, in 1923, Betar is a Zionist youth movement that operates around the world. Notable alumni include former Israeli Prime Ministers Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir, and Professor Benzion Netanyahu, father of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
About 2,000 Israelis flew home over the weekend on emergency flights from the Dutch capital.
