Amsterdam has increased security at Jewish schools across the city following an explosive attack on a primary school earlier this month, local authorities said.
Police and the Koninklijke Marechaussee (military police) have been deployed to provide what officials described as “static physical surveillance” at all Jewish primary and secondary schools. Additional protection is in place before classes begin, during school hours, and when pupils leave.
The measures were introduced after an attack on a Jewish primary school in the early hours of Saturday, and will remain in place “for as long as necessary,” according to the city administration. Authorities are also monitoring security camera footage at Jewish sites across Amsterdam around the clock.
The suspects behind the school attack remain at large. Police have released images of those believed to be involved, appealing for public assistance.
The incident followed a similar attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam a day earlier. Five suspects from Tilburg—four teenagers and a 19-year-old man—have been arrested in connection with that case on suspicion of arson and causing an explosion with terrorist intent. Prosecutors said the group aimed to “instill serious fear” in the Jewish community.
Both attacks have been claimed by the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyyah, which also said it carried out a separate attack on the Atrium office building in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, home to the Bank of New York.
Authorities are also examining a possible link to wider geopolitical tensions. A police officer of Iranian descent was recently shot in Schoonhoven, and some politicians have suggested a connection to the conflict involving Iran, though police have not confirmed any link and investigations are ongoing.
