Increased security measures were put in place at Stade de France before a UEFA Nations League game between France and Israel due to attacks on Israeli supporters in Amsterdam the previous week. Around 4,000 French security personnel patrolled inside and outside the stadium, with the Israeli government warning its citizens about attending sporting and cultural events. About 100 Israeli fans were spotted at the game, which had an attendance of 16,611, and some booing and whistling was heard during the Israeli national anthem. Minor altercations broke out during the match, with tension already high due to anti-Israeli protesters in the area.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon condemned the attacks in Amsterdam, calling it a “pogrom against Jews and Israelis” and urging the Dutch government to respond with force against the rioters. In the United States, the Israeli Embassy shared a graphic video of the violence, and Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., condemned the antisemitism and violence that has been escalating. The incident in Amsterdam came 13 months after Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel, adding to the ongoing tensions in the region.
The Israeli fans at Stade de France waved yellow balloons and chanted “Free the Hostages,” referring to those still held by Hamas. A fight broke out near where the Israeli fans were seated, with punches being thrown during the match. The presence of anti-Israeli protesters waving Palestinian flags in the Saint-Denis district of Paris added to the existing tension ahead of the game between France and Israel. The Israeli government had warned its citizens about attending events in light of the attacks in Amsterdam.
The situation in Amsterdam was described as a 21st-century pogrom against Jews and Israelis, with the Israeli government dispatching rescue teams for those in danger. Rep. Ritchie Torres highlighted the increase in antisemitic vitriol and violence globally, linking it to the incident in Amsterdam and condemning those inciting antisemitism. The ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region, including the recent terrorist attack by Hamas, have contributed to the atmosphere of fear and violence surrounding events involving Israeli teams or supporters.
Increased security and police presence were implemented at Stade de France in response to the attacks in Amsterdam and the potential threats in connection with the game between France and Israel. The Israeli national anthem playing before the match was met with booing and whistling, reflecting the growing tensions and animosity surrounding the event. The minor altercations during the game further highlighted the volatile situation, with clashes breaking out near the Israeli fans. The warnings issued by the Israeli government and the responses from various political figures and organizations underscored the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence and antisemitism.
