Dutch authorities are actively pursuing a suspected terrorist after an explosive device detonated at the premises of a Christian pro-Israel organization on Friday night.
The quiet town of Nijkerk in the Netherlands was shaken by a blast at the Israel Center, which caused minor structural damage but fortunately resulted in no injuries. The incident occurred late in the evening.
Reports from the Dutch public broadcaster indicate that law enforcement is on the lookout for an individual dressed in black, who was allegedly observed placing the explosive at the building’s entrance.
The Israel Center, operated by a Christian organization dedicated to strengthening connections with Israel, frequently hosts discussions on Israeli affairs and offers Israeli-made products for sale.
The center has been a target of anti-Israel actions before, such as graffiti vandalism and nearby protests. However, the alleged bombing marks a significant and alarming intensification, according to director Frank Van Oordt.
“Individuals expressing their discontent through protests is a democratic right and perfectly acceptable,” Van Oordt commented. “This, however, is a direct attack. We have never encountered anything of this magnitude before.”
Responding to the attack, Nijkerk Mayor Tinet de Jonge-Ruitenbeek said: “Our care and compassion goes out to the people of Christians for Israel and local residents. It is terrible that they have to experience this. I have been to the Israel Center and talked to the people there and am impressed by their resilience.”
Israeli Ambassador to the Netherlands, Zvi Vapni, added: “First, Jews were intimidated and attacked in the Netherlands. Now Christians who support Israel are being targeted too.
“This explosion at the Christenen voor Israel Center in Nijkerk is not an isolated incident: these criminals must be captured and punished. This is the only way to deal with fanatics who wants to spread fear and hate.”
Indeed, the attack follows multiple other attacks against Jewish institutions across the Netherlands in recent weeks, including a fire at a synagogue in Rotterdam and another explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam, in suspected acts of revenge over the conflict in Iran.
