Dutch may use ‘decoy Jews’ to fight racism

REPORTS of increased anti-Semitism and a secret video showing Jews harassed on the street in Amsterdam have prompted Dutch authorities to consider using “decoy Jews” — undercover officers wearing yarmulkes — to combat hate crimes.

No decision has yet been made to use the tactic. But the country’s justice minister and Amsterdam’s acting mayor both say they are considering it. And advocacy groups say intimidation has become a serious issue for Jews in the Netherlands.

“For 10 years now Jews who are recognisable as such from their clothing can’t walk peacefully on the street,” the Centre for Information and Documentation Israel, a Jewish activist group, said yesterday.