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In face of rising antisemitism, Amsterdam’s Portugese synagogue celebrates 350 years

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King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands joined members of the Portuguese Jewish community on Sunday to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam.

In the face of rising antisemitism in the country, the king stood as synagogue leaders said the prayers for the State of Israel, Israel Defense Forces soldiers, and the hostages held by Hamas.

After the ceremony, he spoke with Netherlands Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs and members of the Jewish community about the history of the community and the synagogue. He also met with young people to discuss the community’s future.

A number of musical compositions were performed at the event, including a version of the liturgical song “Adon Olam” sung at the consecration of the synagogue in 1675, according to the local Jewish news site, jonet.nl.

The Portuguese Synagogue, also known as the Esnoga, is one of the most important and iconic Jewish landmarks in Europe. Opened in 1675 by Sephardic Jews who had fled persecution in Portugal and Spain during the Inquisition, it was........

© The Times of Israel