"Our Answer Is: We're Here"

What Came After traveled to Amsterdam in February to speak with Rabbi Akiva Camissar about his experiences working with the city’s Israeli Jewish community in the wake of two deeply traumatic events: the October 7th attacks in Israel and the violent pogrom against visiting Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam in November 2024.

Rabbi Camissar shares how the events of October 7th created a profound shift in his community. Made up largely of Israeli expats, the community became more tightly knit, with members drawing strength and solidarity from one another. That sense of unity proved crucial a year later, when anti-Israel violence erupted in Amsterdam. With no warning, the community mobilized and improvised rescue systems that helped protect and evacuate scores of Israelis who were in danger.

He speaks movingly about the importance of maintaining a vibrant Jewish presence in Amsterdam and how he believes that the future of the city’s Jewish life lies with its growing Israeli population. Rabbi Camissar also offers a powerful reflection on Simchat Torah 2023, which coincided with the attacks on October 7th. As news of the massacre emerged, he made a deliberate choice: his community would still dance. Even in the face of horror, they would continue the tradition of dancing with the Torah—an act of spiritual defiance and hope. Long before the phrase “We Will Dance Again” became a symbol of resilience after the Nova music festival massacre, Rabbi Camissar had already claimed the powerful sentiment for his community.

This episode offers a poignant look at how faith, community, and identity can become sources of strength in moments of fear and uncertainty—and how, even in the darkest times, Jewish life endures. 

 

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "On Our Way" by Elijah Aaron

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