Christian residents in the Dutch town of Urk, known for its many churches and fishing traditions, came to the rescue of Israeli football fans and media crews who feared for their lives during the recent anti-Semitic Amsterdam violence.
The town of nearly 22,000 people 85 kilometres from the Netherlands’ biggest city were shocked when mostly Muslim pro-Palestinian activists hunted down Jewish fans after the November 7 soccer match between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Amsterdam’s Ajax.
The violence which left scores of Israelis injured prompted the people of Urk to intervene, reported Worthy Christian News.
“A drivers group was formed to transport Israelis, who no longer trusted taxis, from hotels to Schiphol Airport,” explained Robert ten Napel.
With thousands of Israelis trapped in hotels and other places amid hit-and-run attacks, Robert and fellow Urk residents rushed into action to rescue them.
“Jews can always find refuge in Urk. We had quickly reserved places for them to stay. The town council had previously offered to accommodate Jews and Jewish educational institutions.”
An Israeli TV crew also fled from the hostility of Amsterdam to the welcoming embrace of Urk.
“These days, it’s more important to spread the Light than ever, and our Light is Jesus and God,” a young woman told the TV crew.
“And the Light will survive,” she added as she started to cry.
“I cry because it is very close to my heart. I’ve read thousands of books like World War II. All those kinds of stories. And now it comes alive in my own [country]. I can see it from your people. I think it’s very awful, and I am deeply ashamed.”
In Urk, Israeli flags hang at homes and other buildings. “In these dark days, we also light up the Stars of David that can be found here. I have a Jewish candlestick in front of the window,” 60-year-old Ellie Molenaar told Worthy Christian News.
Several Urk residents had previously driven to war-torn Ukraine to pick up Jews and help them resettle in Israel.
Holocaust survivor Phia Baruch had tears in her eyes when hearing about Urk’s compassion. “Almost all of my family died in the Nazi death camps. Urk’s caring for Jews gives me hope,” she said.
Photo: pmvfoto / Shutterstock.com
