SWC Condemns Anti-Semitic Vandalism of Middelburg Synagogue in The Netherlands

February 6, 2024

Los Angeles - The Simon Wiesenthal Center denounced a recent act of anti-Semitic vandalism at a Synagogue in Middelburg, The Netherlands, where swastikas were spray-painted onto the facade of a historic place of worship. The Simon Wiesenthal Center urged the police to redouble their efforts to find the perpetrators of this reprehensible act which represents an attack upon a community that traces its history back 400 years.  The Simon Wiesenthal Center also urged leaders of other Faiths to publicly express their solidarity with the Jewish community.

“We applaud the immediate response of the local police in launching an investigation and the clear statement by Mayor Harald Bergmann, denouncing this act as "unacceptable" and "hugely threatening." It is imperative that this incident will be investigated thoroughly and that the perpetrators brought to justice,” said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action at the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

“The Jewish community has been an integral part of Middelburg society for over 400 years. The Synagogue, being the third oldest place of worship in the Netherlands, stands as a testament to this long-standing heritage. It is crucial that Dutch authorities protect this legacy from anti-Semitism,” says Daniel Schuster, Senior Representative Europe of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

About the Simon Wiesenthal Center:
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).