BILD columnist Philip Pyatov expressed concern about the recent pogrom against Jews in Amsterdam and suggested that a similar thing could happen again in Germany.
He recalled that in the city where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis during World War II, Jews were forced to seek refuge in hotels and shops, fleeing attacks by aggressive Arab groups.
Pyatov cited the opinion of the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which wrote that the country had “sank so low” that it could not provide security even for foreign football fans. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands also admitted that the country had again failed to protect the Jewish community, as it had done during the war.
Pyatov stressed that this incident was a manifestation of force on the part of radical groups, which poses a threat to Germany. He drew attention to the fact that for more than a year now, society, including politicians, has been noticing that a large group of people in Germany supports radical terrorist movements.
According to the journalist, the events that Germany is experiencing after the Palestinian Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 cannot be called just a Middle East conflict. Thousands of Islamists, he said, are already in German cities, and order is maintained only thanks to the efforts of the police.
Pyatov warns that unless Germany overhauls its immigration policies and takes tougher action against radical Islam and anti-Semitism, violence like what happened in Amsterdam could become part of everyday life in the country.
Earlier, Kursor wrote that the investigation has big questions for the police, who ignored reports of impending attacks on Jews in Amsterdam.
Interview: The Dangers of Rising Antisemitism in Europe
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Rebecca Klein, a noted expert in social history and antisemitism studies. With recent troubling events, including a pogrom against Jews in Amsterdam, we find it crucial to explore the current state of antisemitism in Europe. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Klein.
Dr. Rebecca Klein: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I’m glad to be part of it.
Time.news Editor: Recently, Philip Pyatov, a columnist for BILD, expressed his concerns about potential antisemitic violence spreading from Amsterdam to Germany. What are your thoughts on this statement?
Dr. Klein: Pyatov’s concerns are certainly valid. Antisemitism has deep historical roots in Europe, and when we see incidents like the pogrom in Amsterdam, it can be alarming for Jewish communities across the continent. The fear is compounded by the fact that intolerance often breeds in environments of social unrest or political instability.
Time.news Editor: That’s a very important point. What factors do you believe are contributing to the resurgence of antisemitism?
Dr. Klein: Several factors play a role. Economic strain, political extremism, and the spread of disinformation on social media can all fuel prejudices. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East often exacerbates feelings against Jews, wrongly conflating individuals with the actions of a state. This rhetoric can inspire individuals or groups to act violently, as we saw in Amsterdam.
Time.news Editor: Given the turmoil and fears surrounding antisemitism, what steps can societies take to combat this issue proactively?
Dr. Klein: Education is key. We need robust educational programs that teach about the history of antisemitism, the Holocaust, and the importance of tolerance. Furthermore, we should focus on law enforcement and legal frameworks that protect minority groups and take hate crimes seriously. Community engagement across cultural and religious lines can also foster understanding and unity.
Time.news Editor: It seems that community efforts can breach divides. How important is it for both government and civil society to work together in this capacity?
Dr. Klein: It’s essential. Governments can set policies and create environments that discourage hate, while civil society can push for grassroots movements that promote dialogue and understanding. When both work in tandem, we can create a more cohesive society. This is vital not just for Jewish communities but for all minority groups facing discrimination.
Time.news Editor: Recently, there have been significant protests in various nations related to political issues. Do you think these movements contribute to increased antisemitic sentiments?
Dr. Klein: Yes, protests can often bring out underlying tensions, and antisemitism can resurface as a scapegoating mechanism during times of collective frustration. It’s critical that movements aiming for justice don’t inadvertently promote hatred towards any group.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to people who may feel disheartened by these troubling trends?
Dr. Klein: I would say that while the situation seems dire, history shows us that societies can and do change for the better. It’s crucial to remain vigilant, educate oneself and others, and engage in conversations that foster understanding. Every person has the ability to make a difference, however small, in combating hate.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insightful perspectives on this pressing issue. It’s vital for all of us to be aware and to act against antisemitism in any form.
Dr. Klein: Thank you for shining a light on this important topic. It’s a conversation that needs to continue.
Time.news Editor: Indeed it does. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to keep this dialogue alive in the days to come.