Authorities in the Netherlands reported that five people were hospitalized and 62 were detained after a group of attackers targeted Israeli football fans before and after a match in Amsterdam. The violence was widely condemned as antisemitic by European leaders, with Amsterdam banning all demonstrations in the city for three days following the incident. The supporters were in Amsterdam to watch a Europa League match between Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent planes to bring fans home and called for increased security for the Jewish community, while both he and his Dutch counterpart condemned the attacks as antisemitic.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed outrage over the violence, stating that antisemitism has no place in Europe. Leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for Jews to feel safe in Europe. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer condemned the attacks, particularly when they occur in the context of a sports event meant to bring people together. The violence erupted before the match, with a Palestinian flag being removed from a building and pro-Palestinian supporters being blocked from marching toward the stadium. Videos on social media showed chaos on the streets, with anti-Israeli slurs being chanted by attackers and anti-Arab slogans being sung by football fans.
Amsterdam’s acting police chief Peter Holla stated that Israeli supporters were deliberately targeted over the course of the night, calling the violence unacceptable and indefensible. Despite a ban on a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration, clashes still occurred between Israeli fans and local protesters. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the Maccabi fans as being attacked, abused, and pelted with fireworks by antisemitic individuals who were able to evade police. Additional security measures had been implemented ahead of the match, but a risk assessment from the previous month did not identify any specific threats. Halsema proposed an emergency debate within the Amsterdam City Council to address the incident, which is currently under investigation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander linked the violence to the Holocaust, noting that the Netherlands had failed the Jewish community.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has led to protests across Europe, with tensions heightened during events such as the opening of a new Holocaust museum in Amsterdam which sparked pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The violence in Amsterdam underscores the need for increased security and measures to combat antisemitism in Europe. The international response to the attacks on Israeli football fans highlights the importance of unity and tolerance in the face of hate and discrimination. Leaders across Europe have condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, emphasizing the need for all individuals to feel safe and respected regardless of their background. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of combating antisemitism and promoting understanding and peace in society.
