November 8, 2024
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Following violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to enhance security measures for Israelis in the Netherlands. The incident occurred on Thursday as Maccabi Tel Aviv fans clashed with anti-Israel protesters before a Europa League match against Ajax. Israeli airline El Al is sending planes to Amsterdam to assist in the evacuation of Israeli citizens.
Amsterdam police reported that several violent incidents resulted in hospitalizations and arrests. “The police have launched a major investigation into multiple violent incidents. So far, it is known that five people have been taken to the hospital and 62 individuals have been arrested,” stated Amsterdam Police.
The attacks, described by Israeli President Isaac Herzog as “the most alarming thing to happen to Jews since the October 7 attacks by Hamas,” have led to calls for improved security measures for Israeli citizens and Jewish communities abroad. “This is a serious incident, a warning sign for any country that wishes to uphold the values of freedom,” Herzog said on social media.
Anti-Israel protests have escalated across Europe as tensions increase over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Prior to the match, anti-Israel demonstrators gathered in Amsterdam’s Anton de Komplein square, prompting concerns about safety for Israeli supporters.
The violence in Amsterdam reportedly followed heated exchanges in which some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were filmed chanting anti-Arab slogans, according to videos verified by Reuters. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these chants, calling them “anti-Arab slogans and hostile actions,” and alleging that Israeli supporters desecrated Palestinian flags.
Dutch Prime Minister Schoof condemned the attacks, stating that antisemitic violence is “unacceptable” and that those responsible will face legal action. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with both Maccabi and Ajax fans engaging in violent exchanges.
In the wake of these events, Dutch populist politician Geert Wilders from the Freedom Party denounced what he described as “Palestinian flags hunting down Jews” in Amsterdam, vowing to hold local authorities accountable for not ensuring adequate protection for Israeli citizens.
The incidents are part of a concerning pattern of rising tensions and violence in Europe linked to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, underscoring the challenges governments face in balancing free speech with public safety.
Sources
- Amsterdam Police Statement
- Israeli Foreign Ministry Statement
- Reuters Video Verification
- Dutch Prime Minister’s Statement
