Dutch Student Videos ‘Decapitate Jews’ Threat
A Dutch high school student was suspended after posting a video in which he said he belonged to ISIS and wanted to decapitate Jews.
The De Spindel high school in Hengelo, a city in eastern Netherlands, suspended the 14-year-old in recent days, according to a report Saturday by the De Telegraaf daily. The student, who according to the newspaper is a Muslim boy of Balkan descent, was identified in the media only as Ilhan M.
“Hi, I am from ISIS and I would like to cut off the heads of Jews,” he is seen as saying, followed by profanities about Jewish women.
It is not yet clear whether the teen was suspended because of the video or a recent inquiry by police initiated earlier this month after faculty reported that he may have possessed a weapon. Police found the boy owned a prop gun.
The affair comes amid growing concern in the Netherlands about Dutch citizens fighting for the jihadist group ISIS in Syria and Iraq. The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service, or AIVD, estimated this summer that approximately 100 Dutchmen were fighting in Syria.
Security officials worry that the battle-hardened returnees would carry out attacks, including on Jewish targets.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
