12
Nov 2024
10:26 UTC
Europe Alert (UPDATE): Amsterdam extends ban on pro-Palestinian protests, authorities bolster security in Antwerp amid calls for “Jew Hunt” on November 11; threat of anti-Semitism to remain heightened
Current Situation
- In the Netherlands, on November 11, the Amsterdam City Council extended the ban on demonstrations until November 14 citing the increase in violent unrest following attacks on supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club on November 6-7.
- Authorities have declared Amsterdam a “high-risk security area,” with police personnel given enhanced powers to conduct preventive searches. Individuals are banned from using balaclavas and other face coverings until November 14.
- However, on November 10-11, pro-Palestinian protesters and rioters defied the imposed ban and staged protests in central Amsterdam. On November 10, authorities detained about 50 protesters from a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Dam Square, witnessing participation in the low hundreds.
- On November 11, authorities arrested several rioters for engaging in clashes with police personnel during the night hours (local time). Rioters engaged in vandalism targeting private and public property, with an empty tram car set ablaze using fireworks at Plein ’40-’45 in western Amsterdam. Media reports indicated that rioters held Palestinian flags and shouted anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian slogans, in addition to randomly attacking passersby.
- On November 11, authorities also announced five new arrests linked to the initial unrest on November 6-7.
- Further, on November 11, the Migration Ministry announced that the Netherlands would impose land border controls for a period of six months from December 9. Authorities cited the restrictions aimed to counter irregular migration.
Sources: Telegraaf, Times of Israel , Reuters
- In the Netherlands, on November 11, the Amsterdam City Council extended the ban on demonstrations until November 14 citing the increase in violent unrest following attacks on supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club on November 6-7.
- Authorities have declared Amsterdam a “high-risk security area,” with police personnel given enhanced powers to conduct preventive searches. Individuals are banned from using balaclavas and other face coverings until November 14.
- However, on November 10-11, pro-Palestinian protesters and rioters defied the imposed ban and staged protests in central Amsterdam. On November 10, authorities detained about 50 protesters from a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Dam Square, witnessing participation in the low hundreds.
- On November 11, authorities arrested several rioters for engaging in clashes with police personnel during the night hours (local time). Rioters engaged in vandalism targeting private and public property, with an empty tram car set ablaze using fireworks at Plein ’40-’45 in western Amsterdam. Media reports indicated that rioters held Palestinian flags and shouted anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian slogans, in addition to randomly attacking passersby.
- On November 11, authorities also announced five new arrests linked to the initial unrest on November 6-7.
- Further, on November 11, the Migration Ministry announced that the Netherlands would impose land border controls for a period of six months from December 9. Authorities cited the restrictions aimed to counter irregular migration.
Sources: Telegraaf, Times of Israel , Reuters
- Separately, in Antwerp, Belgium, authorities bolstered security in the city’s Jewish quarter, especially near Harmoniepark, following social media calls inciting youths to conduct a “Jew hunt” on November 10.
- Authorities conducted preventive searches of suspicious individuals, with those possessing balaclavas, flags, and other objects questioned. Five people were temporarily detained.
- Following this, Michael Freilich, a Jewish MP of the center-right Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) party from Antwerp, demanded tightened security measures, including soldiers on the streets. Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt stated that authorities were “seriously” viewing the threat of anti-Semitism.
Source: The Brussels Times
- Separately, in Antwerp, Belgium, authorities bolstered security in the city’s Jewish quarter, especially near Harmoniepark, following social media calls inciting youths to conduct a “Jew hunt” on November 10.
- Authorities conducted preventive searches of suspicious individuals, with those possessing balaclavas, flags, and other objects questioned. Five people were temporarily detained.
- Following this, Michael Freilich, a Jewish MP of the center-right Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) party from Antwerp, demanded tightened security measures, including soldiers on the streets. Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt stated that authorities were “seriously” viewing the threat of anti-Semitism.
Source: The Brussels Times
Assessments & Forecast
- The recent incidents highlight the heightened risk of unrest in Amsterdam despite bolstered and extensive security measures, including protest bans. Considering the heightened sentiments and pro-Palestinian protesters defying imposed bans, the risk of further demonstrations, violence, and unrest, including riots, is likely to persist in Amsterdam in the near term. That authorities have designated Amsterdam as a “high-risk security area” adds credence to this.
- FORECAST: The threat of targeted anti-Semitic incidents, including physical assaults, will remain heightened in Amsterdam in the coming days. Those wearing overt clothing and symbols associated with Judaism or Israel are at a higher risk of being attacked. Based on November 11 media reports stating that Israeli journalists faced harassment while working in Amsterdam, media personnel operating in the city and across the Netherlands are also vulnerable to targeted anti-Semitic incidents. In addition to physical and verbal assault, crimes such as robberies and even sexual assault, cannot be ruled out. This is also supported by sexual assaults in France that were anti-Semitic in nature in 2024, including the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Paris carried out to “avenge” Palestinians.
- FORECAST: With local media reports suggesting rioters arbitrarily attacked bystanders, potential riots and pro-Palestinian protests also pose a credible risk of verbal and physical abuse to non-Israeli and non-Jewish passersby in the vicinity of such unrest. Further, the general threat of criminal activity is heightened during periods of unrest, with individuals known to participate in opportunistic crimes – including looting.
- FORECAST: Given this, authorities in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands are expected to maintain a lower threshold in conducting arrests. Increased security measures are also liable to continue at sensitive sites, including synagogues, Israeli diplomatic establishments, and Jewish monuments, in the near term.
- FORECAST: Considering the incitement to anti-Semitic violence in Antwerp, there is a high risk of attempts to incite copycat unrest and violence in other countries regionwide, especially those with larger Jewish populations, such as France and the UK. In France, these areas include Paris’ 16th, 17th, and 19th arrondissements, the Parisian suburbs of Boulogne-Billancourt, Neuilly-sur-Seine, and Saint-Mande, as well as Lyon and Marseille. Authorities are liable to implement similar countermeasures, as mentioned above. Moreover, authorities are liable to elevate their surveillance of online platforms to identify and thwart calls inciting anti-Semitic violence.
- Meanwhile, the government’s decision to enact border controls on land border crossings was likely partially influenced by the violent unrest. The attacks raised already heightened concerns over terrorism and irregular immigration. While the government likely expedited the restrictions, the EU’s prerequisite of a four-week notice period before implementing border restrictions likely delayed the enactment date to December 9.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Amsterdam or Antwerp on November 12 and in the coming days are advised to remain abreast of authorities’ updates regarding security measures in the cities.
- Avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Amsterdam.
- Consider keeping a low profile and limiting the wearing or presenting of overt signs or symbols associated with Judaism or Israel regionwide.
- Maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of any pro-Palestinian gatherings or activities regionwide due to the heightened threat of unrest.
- If alerted to potential suspicious activity, inform authorities immediately.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Belgium & the Netherlands
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Current Situation
- In the Netherlands, on November 11, the Amsterdam City Council extended the ban on demonstrations until November 14 citing the increase in violent unrest following attacks on supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club on November 6-7.
- Authorities have declared Amsterdam a “high-risk security area,” with police personnel given enhanced powers to conduct preventive searches. Individuals are banned from using balaclavas and other face coverings until November 14.
- However, on November 10-11, pro-Palestinian protesters and rioters defied the imposed ban and staged protests in central Amsterdam. On November 10, authorities detained about 50 protesters from a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Dam Square, witnessing participation in the low hundreds.
- On November 11, authorities arrested several rioters for engaging in clashes with police personnel during the night hours (local time). Rioters engaged in vandalism targeting private and public property, with an empty tram car set ablaze using fireworks at Plein ’40-’45 in western Amsterdam. Media reports indicated that rioters held Palestinian flags and shouted anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian slogans, in addition to randomly attacking passersby.
- On November 11, authorities also announced five new arrests linked to the initial unrest on November 6-7.
- Further, on November 11, the Migration Ministry announced that the Netherlands would impose land border controls for a period of six months from December 9. Authorities cited the restrictions aimed to counter irregular migration.
Sources: Telegraaf, Times of Israel , Reuters
- In the Netherlands, on November 11, the Amsterdam City Council extended the ban on demonstrations until November 14 citing the increase in violent unrest following attacks on supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club on November 6-7.
- Authorities have declared Amsterdam a “high-risk security area,” with police personnel given enhanced powers to conduct preventive searches. Individuals are banned from using balaclavas and other face coverings until November 14.
- However, on November 10-11, pro-Palestinian protesters and rioters defied the imposed ban and staged protests in central Amsterdam. On November 10, authorities detained about 50 protesters from a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Dam Square, witnessing participation in the low hundreds.
- On November 11, authorities arrested several rioters for engaging in clashes with police personnel during the night hours (local time). Rioters engaged in vandalism targeting private and public property, with an empty tram car set ablaze using fireworks at Plein ’40-’45 in western Amsterdam. Media reports indicated that rioters held Palestinian flags and shouted anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian slogans, in addition to randomly attacking passersby.
- On November 11, authorities also announced five new arrests linked to the initial unrest on November 6-7.
- Further, on November 11, the Migration Ministry announced that the Netherlands would impose land border controls for a period of six months from December 9. Authorities cited the restrictions aimed to counter irregular migration.
Sources: Telegraaf, Times of Israel , Reuters
- Separately, in Antwerp, Belgium, authorities bolstered security in the city’s Jewish quarter, especially near Harmoniepark, following social media calls inciting youths to conduct a “Jew hunt” on November 10.
- Authorities conducted preventive searches of suspicious individuals, with those possessing balaclavas, flags, and other objects questioned. Five people were temporarily detained.
- Following this, Michael Freilich, a Jewish MP of the center-right Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) party from Antwerp, demanded tightened security measures, including soldiers on the streets. Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt stated that authorities were “seriously” viewing the threat of anti-Semitism.
Source: The Brussels Times
- Separately, in Antwerp, Belgium, authorities bolstered security in the city’s Jewish quarter, especially near Harmoniepark, following social media calls inciting youths to conduct a “Jew hunt” on November 10.
- Authorities conducted preventive searches of suspicious individuals, with those possessing balaclavas, flags, and other objects questioned. Five people were temporarily detained.
- Following this, Michael Freilich, a Jewish MP of the center-right Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) party from Antwerp, demanded tightened security measures, including soldiers on the streets. Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt stated that authorities were “seriously” viewing the threat of anti-Semitism.
Source: The Brussels Times
Assessments & Forecast
- The recent incidents highlight the heightened risk of unrest in Amsterdam despite bolstered and extensive security measures, including protest bans. Considering the heightened sentiments and pro-Palestinian protesters defying imposed bans, the risk of further demonstrations, violence, and unrest, including riots, is likely to persist in Amsterdam in the near term. That authorities have designated Amsterdam as a “high-risk security area” adds credence to this.
- FORECAST: The threat of targeted anti-Semitic incidents, including physical assaults, will remain heightened in Amsterdam in the coming days. Those wearing overt clothing and symbols associated with Judaism or Israel are at a higher risk of being attacked. Based on November 11 media reports stating that Israeli journalists faced harassment while working in Amsterdam, media personnel operating in the city and across the Netherlands are also vulnerable to targeted anti-Semitic incidents. In addition to physical and verbal assault, crimes such as robberies and even sexual assault, cannot be ruled out. This is also supported by sexual assaults in France that were anti-Semitic in nature in 2024, including the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Paris carried out to “avenge” Palestinians.
- FORECAST: With local media reports suggesting rioters arbitrarily attacked bystanders, potential riots and pro-Palestinian protests also pose a credible risk of verbal and physical abuse to non-Israeli and non-Jewish passersby in the vicinity of such unrest. Further, the general threat of criminal activity is heightened during periods of unrest, with individuals known to participate in opportunistic crimes – including looting.
- FORECAST: Given this, authorities in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands are expected to maintain a lower threshold in conducting arrests. Increased security measures are also liable to continue at sensitive sites, including synagogues, Israeli diplomatic establishments, and Jewish monuments, in the near term.
- FORECAST: Considering the incitement to anti-Semitic violence in Antwerp, there is a high risk of attempts to incite copycat unrest and violence in other countries regionwide, especially those with larger Jewish populations, such as France and the UK. In France, these areas include Paris’ 16th, 17th, and 19th arrondissements, the Parisian suburbs of Boulogne-Billancourt, Neuilly-sur-Seine, and Saint-Mande, as well as Lyon and Marseille. Authorities are liable to implement similar countermeasures, as mentioned above. Moreover, authorities are liable to elevate their surveillance of online platforms to identify and thwart calls inciting anti-Semitic violence.
- Meanwhile, the government’s decision to enact border controls on land border crossings was likely partially influenced by the violent unrest. The attacks raised already heightened concerns over terrorism and irregular immigration. While the government likely expedited the restrictions, the EU’s prerequisite of a four-week notice period before implementing border restrictions likely delayed the enactment date to December 9.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Amsterdam or Antwerp on November 12 and in the coming days are advised to remain abreast of authorities’ updates regarding security measures in the cities.
- Avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Amsterdam.
- Consider keeping a low profile and limiting the wearing or presenting of overt signs or symbols associated with Judaism or Israel regionwide.
- Maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of any pro-Palestinian gatherings or activities regionwide due to the heightened threat of unrest.
- If alerted to potential suspicious activity, inform authorities immediately.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Belgium & the Netherlands
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Related Reports
Netherlands
-
TravelNetherlands Alert (UPDATE): Authorities maintain bolstered security measures, implement three-day ban on protests in Amsterdam, as of November 9; remain cognizant of updates
Related Reports
Netherlands
-
TravelNetherlands Alert (UPDATE): Authorities maintain bolstered security measures, implement three-day ban on protests in Amsterdam, as of November 9; remain cognizant of updates