Four Teens Arrested in Rotterdam Synagogue Blast

Dutch police have arrested four teenagers in connection with an explosion that damaged a synagogue in Rotterdam early Friday, amid a wave of attacks on Jewish institutions across the Netherlands and Europe that has heightened fears of antisemitic violence.

The blast occurred around 3:40 a.m. at the synagogue on A.B.N. Davidsplein in Rotterdam, causing structural damage but no injuries. Authorities detained the suspects, aged 17, 18 and two 19-year-olds, shortly after stopping a suspicious vehicle near another synagogue in the city's Hillegersberg district. Officers noticed a strong gasoline odor and linked one occupant to the earlier incident, leading to the arrests of all four. Prosecutors stated the acts were carried out with terrorist intent, aimed at instilling fear in the Jewish community.

Investigators believe the teenagers were recruited to plant the explosive device, possibly as part of a "crime as a service" model where young individuals are paid small sums by criminal or extremist networks to execute attacks. Justice and Security Minister David van Weel told parliament on Tuesday that indications point to the suspects being hired by others, and authorities are...