Darvish Intelligence: The Rising Danger of Islamist Antisemitism in Amsterdam

Friday, November 8, 2024

The Rising Danger of Islamist Antisemitism in Amsterdam

The Rising Danger of Islamist Antisemitism in Amsterdam

By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com

As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, now a conservative Christian, and member of the LDS Church, I am troubled by the disturbing events unfolding in Amsterdam. The recent wave of antisemitic violence led by Palestinian Islamist gangs against Jewish communities is more than a series of isolated incidents—it’s an alarming resurgence of old hatreds masked in new conflicts. Growing up under the shadow of Islamic authoritarianism and experiencing firsthand the prejudices that come with Islamist ideology, I recognize the dangers this mindset poses, not only to Jewish communities but to the West as a whole.

For centuries, Amsterdam symbolized tolerance and diversity. The city’s history of sheltering Jews fleeing persecution during World War II stood as a testament to its values. But now, we are seeing a different story unfold. Palestinian Islamist gangs have taken to the streets, targeting Jewish residents through intimidation, physical assaults, and harassment. This isn’t mere “protest” against the state of Israel; it is a targeted, hate-driven campaign against individuals based on their ethnicity and religion. We cannot ignore how such antisemitic actions mirror the same dangerous ideologies that fueled past atrocities.

This escalating violence draws a dark line between the intolerance taught in some Middle Eastern regimes and the radicalism spilling into the streets of Western cities. Amsterdam has witnessed an alarming increase in reported antisemitic incidents in recent months, with Jewish community members warning that they no longer feel safe. Many of these incidents have been linked to Palestinian nationalist groups whose anti-Israel sentiments have morphed into open hostility against Jews themselves.

The issue is more complex than mere political dissent. Islamist organizations have long embedded antisemitic doctrines within their teachings. In the Middle East, antisemitic propaganda has been used as a tool to unify factions against a common “enemy,” allowing Islamist leaders to distract from their oppressive policies and economic failures. Now, as these individuals migrate to Western countries, they bring with them this ingrained hatred. Unfortunately, Western leaders, including those in the Netherlands, often turn a blind eye, labeling this as a byproduct of the Israel-Palestine conflict rather than addressing the deep-rooted bigotry behind it.

The Quranic verses and Hadiths that Islamist radicals often cite to justify their antisemitic views do not stem solely from a nationalist struggle. These texts are interpreted by radicals to endorse hostility toward Jews, not just in Israel, but globally. In recent protests across Europe, we have seen chants such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed by crowds. This slogan does not call for a peaceful two-state solution—it is a rallying cry for the eradication of the Jewish state. Such rhetoric reflects the all-encompassing goal of radical Islamism: the spread of their worldview at the cost of others' freedoms, and in this case, at the cost of Jewish lives.

This rising tide of antisemitism affects all of us who cherish the values of liberty and equality. If we remain silent, we enable the erosion of our freedoms. The Netherlands, and the West at large, must face the truth that allowing antisemitic violence to persist undermines the principles that have defined our societies for generations. As a Christian, I am reminded of Christ’s teachings to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” To allow hatred and violence to flourish under any guise is a direct betrayal of these teachings. The LDS Church also emphasizes the importance of tolerance and charity for all God’s children, regardless of their background.

We must be bold in condemning this wave of Islamist antisemitism and support our Jewish brothers and sisters in Amsterdam and beyond. Western governments, particularly in Europe, need to stop making excuses and take a firm stance against Islamist hate groups that exploit Western freedoms to spread their message of intolerance. Law enforcement agencies should be empowered to dismantle these networks, prosecute hate crimes, and safeguard the freedoms of every community.

We have the responsibility, as free citizens and followers of Christ, to denounce evil where we see it and protect those who are unjustly persecuted. This is not just about supporting the Jewish community; it is about standing up against any ideology that threatens the safety, dignity, and liberty of our neighbors. It’s time to confront this modern-day scourge of Islamist antisemitism in Amsterdam with clarity and courage.