Understanding the Reality of Pogroms

Imagine this: Jews being hunted down in Amsterdam in 2024. Not as an accident. Not as a misunderstanding. But targeted for one reason—being Jewish.

On Thursday, November 7, fans of Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team traveled to Amsterdam to cheer for their team. Instead of witnessing a night of friendly competition, they found themselves fighting for their lives as mobs waving Palestinian flags and screaming anti-Semitic slurs swarmed outside the stadium.

Let’s call it what it is—a pogrom. Or maybe a clearer term would be lynching. This wasn’t a “clash” or a “dispute.” It was a deliberate, violent hunt for Jews in the heart of a European city, nearly 100 years after the world vowed “Never Again.”

History Repeating Itself

The word “pogrom” has chilling historical roots. Originally used to describe violent riots against Jews in Russia, it quickly became synonymous with attacks meant to terrorize, destroy, and ultimately erase the Jewish presence. Beginning in the late 19th century, Russian and Eastern European pogroms saw Jewish communities terrorized, homes burned, lives ruined. My own Jewish family’s journey to America started because of those pogroms. They weren’t immigrants by choice—they were fleeing for their lives.

And yet, here we are. Today, in Amsterdam, in 2024, on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the nightmare repeats itself.

What Happened on Kristallnacht and Why It Still Matters

Eighty-six years ago, the Nazis shattered Jewish communities across Germany in a night known as Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass.” Windows of Jewish shops were smashed, synagogues burned, and thousands of Jews were arrested, beaten, and murdered. It was a terrifying signal of what was to come. Today, Kristallnacht is a somber reminder of how hatred, left unchecked, escalates from words to violence.

In Amsterdam, that same hatred has returned. Youths on scooters launched “hit-and-run” attacks against Jewish fans. These weren’t isolated incidents—this was coordinated. Just like Kristallnacht. And what did the Dutch police do? Almost nothing. Witnesses described a void where protection should have been, leaving Jewish fans to fend for themselves.

In Amsterdam, Anne Frank hid from the Nazis, hoping for freedom and safety. If she were alive today, she would recognize the hatred sweeping her city. The world once promised that Jews would never again face such terror. But today, Jewish fans find themselves hunted in the streets, forced to jump into canals to escape murderous mobs.

The Hypocrisy of Telling Jews to "Go Back"

For centuries, Jews in Europe were told they didn’t belong, that they should “go back to Palestine.” But now, in a brutal twist, those same voices from the Middle East are telling the Jews to leave Israel too. This hypocrisy is blatant. The hatred is relentless. When Jews returned to their ancestral homeland in Israel, they didn’t expect the world to turn against them once more. Yet here we are, with calls for boycotts, divestments, and violent “intifadas” designed to drive Jews out once again.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded immediately to the attacks in Amsterdam. Planes were dispatched from Israel to bring Jewish fans home. Onboard, resilient and defiant, the passengers sang the fight song of Maccabi Tel Aviv, refusing to let hatred steal their joy.

Pogroms in 2024: Why We Must Pay Attention

Why should we care about what happened in Amsterdam? Because what we see there could happen anywhere. It’s not a leap to imagine the same scenes unfolding in cities across the United States or anywhere else Jews live. The rallying cry of “Globalize the Intifada” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a dangerous mission statement with real consequences.

This is not just an “Israeli issue” or a “Jewish problem.” The rise of anti-Semitism is a global threat, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that hate rarely stays in one place. We at The Jewish Road will not be silent. Our mission is to Be A Light, Be A Voice, and Be A Blessing.

The Call to Stand with Israel and the Jewish People

For Zion’s sake, we cannot remain silent. We need allies who understand that standing with Israel and the Jewish people isn’t just an act of solidarity—it’s a stand against evil. This is a call for Christians, for Jews, for anyone who believes in the sanctity of human life to take action.

In a world where being visibly Jewish increasingly makes you a target, we need people willing to be voices of truth and strength. This isn’t a time for passive empathy; it’s a time for active support. If you're a Christian, ask yourself what it means to stand with the Jewish people. How will you respond if anti-Semitic violence erupts in your city, your neighborhood?

The World Needs a Credible Witness

Let’s be honest: the world is becoming an increasingly hostile place for Jews. But rather than shrink back in fear, we choose to stand boldly. If you’re going to put your eyes on anything in these dark days, put your eyes on God. Remember that He has promised to protect His people. For centuries, Jews have survived against all odds because the God of Israel does not sleep nor slumber.

But as Jews, we also rely on people like you. Allies, Christians who see the reality of what’s unfolding and refuse to look away. In times of crisis, your voice, your courage, and your prayers matter. We need you in this fight, not as spectators but as active participants.

Join Us: Be A Light, Be A Voice, Be A Blessing

If you're with us, if you’re willing to be a light, a voice, and a blessing, we invite you to join us in our mission. The Jewish Road exists to tell the whole story, to educate, advocate, and take action. We have podcasts, articles, and resources to equip you with the knowledge and courage to stand firm.

Don't let history repeat itself unchecked. Stand up. Speak out. Be the light that pushes back the darkness.

About The Jewish Road

At the heart of The Jewish Road lies a passion ignited by a father-son duo, Ron and Matt Davis. Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to bridge the gap in understanding that has kept two faith communities apart for too long. We're here to help Christians connect with the roots of their faith and for Jews to explore the life and teachings of Jesus with an open heart.

Imagine a world where every believer, be they Jewish or Christian, not only knows their faith but truly understands its origins and interconnectedness. We strive to restore the Jewish essence of the Gospel, offering insights that deepen knowledge, bolster faith, and propel the growth of the Kingdom. The narrative of faith, we believe, is a two-act play where both acts are essential for a comprehensive grasp of the story. By uniting these acts, we're presenting a more holistic and enriching perspective.

Life is too short to wander without knowing the full essence of your beliefs. Whether you're attending a synagogue or a church, there's so much more to discover. The Jewish Road is here to guide, enlighten, and, most importantly, bring both halves of the story together. Join us on this journey; together