Femke Halsema

Stories

Coordinated bombings target Jewish sites across Belgium and the Netherlands

Leading municipal security response

Four attacks in six days: synagogue explosion in Liege (March 9), a strike in Greece, an arson bombing at Rotterdam's synagogue (March 13), and an overnight blast at Amsterdam's only Orthodox Jewish school (March 14). No one has been killed, but the tempo is accelerating—the last two came less than 24 hours apart.

Updated May 30

Cuypers masterpiece destroyed: Amsterdam's Vondelkerk burns on chaotic new year

Built World

Leading city response to fire and evacuations

The Vondelkerk, a 154-year-old neo-Gothic church designed by P.J.H. Cuypers (architect of the Rijksmuseum and Central Station), burned on New Year's Day at 12:45am. The tower collapsed at 2:30am, and by mid-morning officials declared it a total loss. Within 24 hours, expert surveyors found that full restoration is technically possible, though expensive, and the Netherlands' Cultural Heritage Agency launched an assessment to determine what can be preserved.

Updated May 19

Notable Quotes

"This is a cowardly act of aggression towards the Jewish community. I understand the fear and anger of Amsterdam's Jewish community. They increasingly face antisemitism and that is unacceptable." — Statement on March 14, 2026

from Coordinated bombings target Jewish sites across Belgium and the Netherlands · Updated May 30

"A very intense and terrible fire in this monumental church. Our first concern and priority now is the well-being and homes of the immediate residents."

from Cuypers masterpiece destroyed: Amsterdam's Vondelkerk burns on chaotic new year · Updated May 19

"Last night, Amsterdam lost one of its most cherished monuments."

from Cuypers masterpiece destroyed: Amsterdam's Vondelkerk burns on chaotic new year · Updated May 19

"From the laying of its first stone in 1872, the church has served not only as a place of worship but as the heart of an Amsterdam neighborhood. For many residents, it was a landmark, a silent companion throughout their lives in the community, from childhood to old age."

from Cuypers masterpiece destroyed: Amsterdam's Vondelkerk burns on chaotic new year · Updated May 19

"This night has once again underlined the necessity of a nationwide fireworks ban." (joint statement with officials)

from Cuypers masterpiece destroyed: Amsterdam's Vondelkerk burns on chaotic new year · Updated May 19