Thousands of Christians rally for Israel in Amsterdam as anti-Zionist protesters clash with police

Thousands of evangelical Christians rallied in Amsterdam's Dam Square to support Israel, while about 50 counter-protesters were arrested. The rally, organized by Jacques Brunt's 'Into the breach for Israel' initiative, drew 2,000 participants despite heavy rain. Counter-protesters from far-left and Muslim groups, some waving PFLP flags, clashed with police after a court denied them access to the square. Speakers condemned a new Dutch law banning imports from West Bank settlements, east Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, which carries potential six-year prison sentences.

Thousands of evangelical Christians gathered in Amsterdam's Dam Square on Thursday to show support for Israel, heavily outnumbering anti-Zionist counter-protesters who clashed with police. The rally, organized by evangelist Jacques Brunt under the 'Into the breach for Israel' banner, drew about 2,000 participants despite heavy rain. Counter-protesters from far-left and Muslim groups, some carrying PFLP flags and chanting slogans including 'From the river to the sea' and 'Yallah, yallah intifada,' were banned from the square by a court ruling but some breached police lines. Police arrested approximately 50 counter-protesters. Speakers at the rally condemned a new Dutch law that outlaws imports of Israeli products from the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, noting the law carries potential six-year prison sentences. The rally featured Israeli flags, Hebrew songs, and a video message from Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni. Organizers noted the event has grown each year since its founding after October 7, 2023. The article frames the rally as peaceful and inclusive, contrasting it with the counter-protesters' rhetoric.