The usual serenity which the small Jewish community of Holland generally enjoys is now under attack.
Amid reports of increased anti-semitism, local police have dispatched security personnel and installed surveillance cameras outside the home of the Chief Rabbi Benyomin Jacobs.
Apparently, Antisemitic incidents involving local youth have forced police to increase the Rabbi’s security.
Rabbi Jacobs revealed to an Israeli newspaper some of the events which have led to the current security reinforcement.
Some time ago, Rabbi Jacobs said, he was in his house when he heard a loud noise. Upon exiting to see what was going on, he saw some youngsters making a run for it.
Two weeks ago, while walking home with Israeli Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger, Rabbi Jacobs was shocked to find windows of his house had been shattered.
“The police have handled the cases pretty well. They have installed cameras at my home and have placed security guards to monitor the situation 24 hours a day,” said the rabbi.
When asked if he was sure the episodes were hate crimes, Rabbi Jacobs responded, “Unfortunately, the whole of Europe is plagued with Antisemitism. It is always there. Sometimes it’s on a low and sometimes it gets really over the top.”
Expressing his personal feelings about the public officials, Rabbi Jacobs said, “I have been pleasantly surprised by the warmth shown by the local government. Amsterdam’s mayor called me yesterday and asked me if I need help. In general, many times we get calls from the mayor to ask whether Jews need help in anything. We hope these cases were one time incidents, and never repeat themselves again.”
BH. regard to terrorism, The Rebbe said, to add 3 extra kapitlach Tehillim, and ka[ital 150, should be one of them.
Allways, to check mezuzos, and make sure they are fixed according ro halacha, can only bring positive results to all.