John, in the wake of a modern-day pogrom following a soccer match in Amsterdam, with horrifying images showing Israelis being hunted down, brutally assaulted and injured by a violent mob, ADL is here, literally, to support the Dutch Jewish community and call for strong action so that this will never happen again.

As soon as I heard about the attack, I made plans to be on the ground in Amsterdam. Over the weekend, I headed a delegation that met with Dutch government leaders including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Justice Minister to push for not just words of condemnation but immediate, concrete action to keep such hateful attacks from spreading or repeating. If you are wondering how something as awful as this series of assaults in the streets happened, this is a clear example that no one should be surprised when demonizing rhetoric leads to real world violence.

I recorded a short video yesterday that shares more ADL insights into how the “Jew Hunt” happened, including the premeditated plans by anti-Israeli assailants and the festering environment of hate.

The fear in the small Jewish community here is palpable; they are right to be worried about further incidents sparked by those radicalized by the propaganda they are getting online.

As we huddled with Dutch Jewish community leaders and organizations to offer them our support and expertise, it was clear that the attack in Amsterdam connects via a direct throughline of unchecked, rising antisemitism worldwide. This escalation has dramatically intensified since Hamas’ October 7 attack, with antisemitic incidents surging in the Netherlands by over 800% in the months that followed.

Simply put, Dutch authorities must hold those responsible to account and take decisive action to prevent further violence.

This week I will be in Germany and in Belgium with ADL leaders and colleagues, continuing to make clear that all governments around the world must demonstrate leadership and keep up the fight against antisemitism and hate.

ADL is here wherever and whenever you need us, advocating for Jewish people and all marginalized groups, and relentlessly fighting antisemitism and hate for good.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director

ADL