Intelligence Services: Salafism has to be watched from a security perspective

The AIVD National Intelligence Services draws in its annual report attention to Salafism because of the worry about its ideas to legitimize intolerance, anti-democratic activities and polarization. The AIVD writes that promoters of Salafism put aside their differences to promote together aims in the name of Islam.  These goals include the monopolization of Islamic education and spiritual care.  Opposition is not tolerated. Often their attitudes are intimidating and claim the loyalty of Muslims to Islam.

https://www.aivd.nl/onderwerpen/salafisme/salafisme-in-het-laatste-jaarverslag

Amsterdam mayor: Salafism is not a current in Islam

Jozias van Aartsen, the acting mayor of Amsterdam has said in the municipal council that Salafism isn’t a current in Islam.  He wondered what the use of attacking it was. Municipal council member Diederik Boomsma retorted: “he seems to suffer from the same religious cramps which in recent years has caused the increasing problems at the municipality’s department against radicalization.”

www.elsevierweekblad.nl/nederland/achtergrond/2018/02/589639-589639/

Intelligence Services: More Dutch Children of Jihadis than thought before

The general Dutch intelligence service AIVD says now that there are at least 175 children with a Dutch parent in Syria and Iraq. Before their estimate was that the number was 100 children. More than half is younger than four years.  

www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2018/03/06/aivd-veel-meer-nederlandse-kinderen-in-syrie-en-irak-a1594562

Jewish Students Complain about antisemitism at Amsterdam Free University

Tens of Jewish students and former students react to a Palestinian terrorist speaking at Amsterdam Free University.  They have written a letter to the Board of the Amsterdam Free University. 

In it they say that the university has tolerated radical organizations with racist antisemitic tendencies.  The most recent case concerned a lecture by the Palestinian Rasmea Odeh who was involved in the murder of two Israeli civilians.  She was presented by the organizers in a location at the university as a hero and resistance fighter.

The Jewish students want to meet with the Board to discuss this issue.

https://www.niw.nl/noodkreet-van-joodse-studenten-richting-vu/

Cab Drivers Intend to Burn Uber Office in Amsterdam

Through the information service Telegram cab drivers are asked to attack on March 20^th the office of the Uber-service in Amsterdam. They are called to bring firebombs with them. The cab drivers accuse Uber of unfair competition.

http://www.at5.nl/artikelen/179209/taxichauffeurs-beramen-aanval-op-uber-kantoor

Amsterdam Kosher Restaurant Vandalized for third time in three months

For the third time in three months, the Amsterdam kosher restaurant Ha Carmel has been vandalized. The owner also regularly receives anonymous phone calls of people shouting “Palestine Free” and “Allah Akbar”.  In the past, the owner has requested permanent police and camera surveillance. So far, the municipality has rejected his request. 

https://nltimes.nl/2018/03/02/amsterdam-kosher-restaurant-vandalized

Major suspicion of fraud against Dutch Turks

One out of five Dutch Turk citizens are suspected of fraud concerning welfare payments.  For instance, they may receive Dutch welfare payments while owning a house in Turkey which is not known in the Netherlands. A judge has ruled that Dutch municipalities cannot investigate this type fraud only in Turkey if they do not investigate this same information in other countries as this would be considered discrimination.

https://www.elsevierweekblad.nl/nederland/achtergrond/2018/02/rechter-voorkomt-effectieve-aanpak-van-turkse-uitkeringsfraudeurs-589661/