Fire outside synagogue in Rotterdam - four arrests

According to the police, a fire was set outside the entrance to the Rotterdam synagogue in the early morning. The fire extinguished itself and no one was injured, according to the police in the Dutch port city. The Jewish community and politicians reacted with shock.

Conspicuous behavior

The suspects, aged between 17 and 19, had already been arrested in the early morning. The car had attracted the attention of the police due to its driving behavior. It is unknown whether an arson attack was also planned at the second synagogue.

The fire in front of the entrance to the synagogue could be seen in images shared on social media. There was a small explosion. According to the police, the investigation is ongoing.

"Targeted attack on the Jewish community"

The attack will increase fears in the Jewish community, said the chairman of the synagogue, Chris den Hoedt, even if the material damage was minor. He spoke of "a targeted attack on a Dutch religious community".

Justice Minister David van Weel spoke of a targeted attack with a presumably anti-Semitic background. The Jewish community has long been the target of violence and threats.

The mayor of Rotterdam, Carola Schouten, promised extra security measures. "There is no place for anti-Semitism, intimidation, violence and hatred against religious communities in Rotterdam."