The Christians for Israel Center in Nijkerk, Netherlands, was targeted in an attack on Monday morning, escalating tensions ahead of a pro-Israel rally set to take place in Amsterdam.
“We are especially disheartened because this was carried out by other Christians. It’s difficult to comprehend that they don’t see the biblical truth that God is bringing His people back to their land,” said Frank van Oordt, Executive Director of Christians for Israel the Netherlands.
The attack involved protesters from Extinction Rebellion, Justice Now, and Christian Collective, a group claiming to support Palestinians. They stormed the building, defaced it with graffiti, and created a hostile atmosphere for staff.
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Graffiti sprayed on the building accused Christians in Israel of “supporting genocide,” being “child murderers,” and being “complicit in events in Gaza.” The incident disrupted operations and left staff members shaken.
Although police arrived 20 minutes after the attack was reported, it took them nearly three hours to disperse the protesters and restore order. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights a growing pattern of hostility; the same building was vandalized over the summer, allegedly by members of the same groups.
Christians for Israel underscored their broader mission, which includes contributions to Palestinian aid and fostering cooperation between Arab and Jewish communities in Israel.
“For many years, we’ve donated hundreds of thousands of Euros to organizations that provide assistance to Palestinians. These accusations of complicity in genocide completely ignore the facts,” a spokesperson for the organization stated.
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The attack occurred just days before Christians for Israel’s planned rally in Amsterdam on Thursday to express solidarity with the Jewish community.
The rally has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian groups. Christians for Israel noted that attempts to engage these critics constructively have been unsuccessful.
“We’ve invited them to discuss their concerns, but they’ve refused to engage constructively. Instead, they resort to vandalism and spreading misinformation,” the spokesperson added.
Despite the incident, Christians for Israel reaffirmed their commitment to their mission.
“We will not be deterred by these actions,” van Oordt stated. “This attack only strengthens our resolve to stand up for Israel and ensure that Christians in the Netherlands and around the world understand the biblical truth of Israel’s restoration.”
Approximately 30,000 Jews live in the Netherlands.
Monday’s attack comes amid a surge in antisemitism across Europe. Earlier this month, on November 7, rioters attacked Israelis and local Jews in Amsterdam following a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
Videos on social media showed rioters carrying Palestinian flags and shouting “Free Palestine” while assaulting Israeli fans. Ten Israelis were injured during the unrest. In response, Israel’s national airline, El Al, received rabbinic authorization to evacuate Israelis during the Sabbath.
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