Violent Incidents Follow Europa League Match
After a football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday evening in Amsterdam, a series of violent attacks erupted, targeting Israeli supporters. These incidents, which occurred throughout the night, were swiftly condemned by the leaders of both the Netherlands and Israel as acts of antisemitism. The match, held at the Johan Cruyff Arena, sparked chaos as violence broke out in multiple areas of the city. Dutch police confirmed that five people were hospitalized following the attacks.
The violence was described as a “turbulent” series of events, with several Israeli supporters being targeted. The authorities had to step in and protect Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, escorting them to safe locations such as hotels. Despite the heavy police presence in the city, many supporters were injured, and the city’s response was firm in condemning the actions.
A statement released by the municipality, the police, and the prosecution office emphasized that the violence was unjustifiable. It called the behavior exhibited by the attackers “unacceptable” and “antisemitic.” The authorities condemned the situation where individuals actively sought out Israeli supporters to assault. There was a collective outcry from officials in both the Netherlands and Israel, with the situation being described as an instance of “antisemitic aggression.”
Attacks on Israeli Fans and Protests in Amsterdam
The attacks came as a shock to many who had expected the football match to be a celebration of sport. One Israeli supporter described the scene as one where they “didn’t feel safe.” They had come to Amsterdam for a holiday and a game, but what they witnessed was a chaotic and frightening environment that felt more like a war zone. Videos shared on social media showed crowds running through the streets, and one video depicted a man being attacked while some of the perpetrators shouted, “Free Palestine.”
Before the match even started, tensions had been high. Reports indicated that a Palestinian flag was ripped from a building in central Amsterdam. Additionally, riot police were called in to stop pro-Palestinian protesters from marching toward the stadium. Fearing that violence would erupt, authorities had banned a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium. However, despite the presence of law enforcement, the violence continued later in the evening.
This raised significant concerns about the safety of citizens and visitors in Amsterdam, with many expressing alarm at the intensity of the violence and the seeming targeting of Israeli fans. The authorities responded by increasing police patrols throughout the city and ensuring heightened security at Jewish institutions, especially in areas where Amsterdam’s Jewish community is concentrated. The city, known for its historical connection to Jewish heritage, including the tragic story of Anne Frank, found itself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Diplomatic Responses and Rescue Efforts
In response to the violence, Israel’s government took immediate action. The Israeli prime minister gave the order to send two rescue planes to Amsterdam. These planes were tasked with flying the injured and other Israeli citizens back to Israel for safety. The Dutch Prime Minister also reacted swiftly, condemning the attacks and expressing horror at the events. He assured that Dutch authorities were working to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the violence.
Both Israeli and Dutch officials emphasized that the violence would not be tolerated, with Israel’s Foreign Minister announcing an urgent diplomatic visit to the Netherlands. Israeli leaders referred to the attack as a “blaring alarm call” for Europe, urging governments worldwide to take stronger action against hate crimes. The Israeli military also responded by deploying a rescue mission to Amsterdam, which included medical teams coordinated with Dutch authorities to assist in the aftermath of the violence.
The intensity of the violence recalled painful memories of previous antisemitic incidents, leading some to draw comparisons to the horrific events of the past. Senior Israeli politicians noted that the images of the attacks were reminiscent of the violence against Jews in Europe during the Holocaust era, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
As the situation unfolded, the Israeli government continued to monitor the safety of its citizens abroad. As a precaution, they cautioned Israelis to stay in their Amsterdam hotels. Authorities in the Netherlands worked to restore order in the streets, ensuring that no further violence would take place. The city’s Jewish community, already under a sense of heightened alert, faced the unsettling reality that antisemitic attacks could take place in the heart of Europe.
