Anti-Israel protests disrupt Chanukah events in Amsterdam after Sydney massacre

Several hundred demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, held anti-Israel signs, and chanted slogans such as “Child killers.”

By World Israel News Staff

Violent anti-Israel protests erupted in Amsterdam on Sunday night, as pro-Palestinian demonstrators targeted Chanukah events linked to Israel’s chief military cantor, just hours after a horrific antisemitic terror attack in Sydney, Australia, where 16 people were murdered and dozens more wounded, several critically.

The unrest broke out near Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, where Israeli chief military cantor Shai Abramson was performing private Chanukah concerts for members of the Jewish community. Smaller demonstrations were held near the main entrance to the hall, while a larger protest took place at the nearby Museumplein, where police had approved a gathering under court-imposed restrictions.

According to Dutch media, dozens of protesters initially gathered outside the concert hall, where authorities classified the demonstration as “quiet.” However, Jewish attendees described an intimidating and highly charged atmosphere. One audience member said the feeling resembled protests previously held during the opening of the city’s Holocaust museum.

After concertgoers entered the venue, the protest near the entrance was dispersed, but the larger demonstration at Museumplein continued.

Several hundred demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, held anti-Israel signs, and chanted slogans such as “Child killers.” Some banners accused the Concertgebouw of complicity, including one reading, “Shame on Concertgebouw, you have blood on your hands.”

As the evening progressed, the situation escalated. Red and green smoke bombs were set off, and some protesters attempted to breach police barriers.

Large police forces were deployed, additional barricades were erected, and officers used batons to push back demonstrators. Several arrests were made, though authorities did not disclose how many. Eyewitnesses described frightened concertgoers fleeing the area under police protection as security forces worked to restore order.

The protests followed weeks of tension surrounding Abramson’s performances in Amsterdam. In November, the Concertgebouw initially canceled a Hanukkah concert organized by the Chanukah Concert Foundation, citing Abramson’s role as the chief cantor of the Israel Defense Forces and describing the IDF’s actions as controversial.

The decision sparked outrage within the Jewish community, threats of legal action over alleged restrictions on religious freedom, and sharp criticism from Israeli officials.

A compromise was later reached, allowing a public family concert without Abramson in the afternoon and private evening concerts featuring Abramson for ticket holders. Despite that agreement, Sunday night’s protests demonstrated how deeply hostility toward Israel and Jews has spilled into public life.

The Amsterdam disturbances, coming so soon after the deadly Chanukah massacre in Sydney, underscored the mounting threats facing Jewish communities worldwide. From Australia to Europe, Jewish religious events are increasingly becoming targets for intimidation and violence.