‘It Was Deeply Triggering’: An October 7th Survivor Responds to the Amsterdam Pogrom

The following is a personal reflection authored by Natalie Sanandaji, Nova music festival massacre survivor and Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) public affairs officer, following last week’s Amsterdam Pogrom:

As a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre on October 7th, witnessing yet another pogrom against Jews just a year later in Amsterdam last week was not just unsettling — it was deeply triggering.

I am currently in Israel, but less than a month ago, I visited Amsterdam, where I myself had an anxiety-inducing experience.

While in Amsterdam, my friends and I stumbled upon a gathering in a park that we soon realized was a “pro-Palestine” party. I immediately thought — if anyone in this park knew who I was, what I had survived, or what I have dedicated my life to fighting against, would I be safe? Would I be targeted?

I tried to dismiss these thoughts as irrational, convincing myself that no one would dare to attack me openly on the street. Yet, the shocking images and videos from Thursday night’s events in downtown Amsterdam following a soccer match between host AFC Ajax and visiting Maccabi Tel Aviv confirmed that my fears were not so unfounded after all. They illustrated the very real threats looming over Jewish communities across the globe today.

This reality is heartbreaking, but unfortunately undeniable. The worldwide post-October 7th rise in antisemitism is not just a statistic; it’s a lived experience for many Jews, including myself. And the trepidation we harbor within our souls is often invisible to others not facing the same menacing reality.

Those seeking to harm Jews because they don’t believe we have the right to a homeland only prove by their actions why the State of Israel is needed now more than ever. Each act of aggression and display of hatred reinforce the vital imperative for a secure refuge. Israel represents more than just a geographical location — it embodies the resilience and determination of a people who have faced centuries of persecution and violence. It serves as a sanctuary — an assurance that there is a place where Jews can live freely and without fear.

The horrors I experienced at the Nova music festival completely reshaped my understanding of the world. They served as a reminder that, despite our efforts to integrate and coexist, there are always those who wish to destroy the Jewish people.

Furthermore, last week’s events in Amsterdam offered additional proof, as if any was needed, that the fight against antisemitism is far from over, and they underscored Israel’s vital role as a Jewish safe haven. Israel’s continued existence transcends politics — it is a matter of survival for the Jewish people as a whole.

We cannot afford to be complacent or dismissive of the angst many of us feel. Each day brings new reports of antisemitic hatred and violence, not just in conflict zones but on the streets of otherwise peaceful cities around the world.

We must fight for a world where every individual, regardless of faith or background, can live confidently without having to keep an eye behind their shoulder.

As an October 7th survivor, I stand firm in my belief that we must protect our right to security and dignity. It is not just a personal struggle — it is a collective responsibility. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to ensure that such atrocities are not repeated.

Let us not forget — the fight against antisemitism is a fight for humanity itself. When one group is targeted, we all are. By working together, we can build a world where fear is replaced by understanding and safety is a universal condition.