Vondelkerk burned

 

During the New Year's Eve, beautiful old Vondelkerk burned down thanks to the fireworks that made a whole town into one big war zone. I have noticed with some alarm that New Year's celebrations here usually turn very violent and it seems that thousands of people really enjoy all sorts of mayhem, simply as a part of tradition. I clearly remember standing on a rooftops, watching the fireworks and hearing something very similar to bullets on every side - giving me flashback to war experienced decades ago - because I see no beauty, celebration or joy in it, I usually stay indoors and try to survive, while outside the mob revels in detonations, fireworks, burning and destruction. 

Sweet old church that stands quietly next to glorious Vondelpark has already burned once in 1904, so this is the second time it happened. There is absolutely no doubt it happened because of the fireworks that went completely out of control - video clips presented next day on TV show drunken mob clearly enjoying themselves, even whooping and applauding while church tower burned. There were some who were quick to see something deeper in this destruction of the Catholic church, but I genuinely believe it was accidental and probably a miracle that no more rooftops were damaged, considering how much the whole city was under the attack of fires everywhere. 

My connection to Vondelkerk is totally personal - besides working in that neighbourhood for many years, I went in there as a visitor, years ago when the place (long defunct as a church and used for exhibition and such) hosted projection of classic old black & white silent "Nosferatu" with a pianist providing music background. It was specially enjoyable evening for me and one of those memorable occasions when I had great time completely by myself, rather than bring a company that would not appreciate or understand it. Just like the first time around, the fire did not completely destroy the old church - it will be saved, but it takes time and donations. As for the fireworks, there is a new law that hopefully will be implemented and respected starting from now on.