Amsterdam experienced violent attacks on Israeli football supporters after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, with authorities condemning the antisemitic nature of the violence.
(Amsterdam) – In the wake of violent clashes following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, Amsterdam has been left grappling with severe antisemitic attacks on Israeli supporters. These attacks, which occurred Thursday night, have sparked outrage and condemnation from authorities in both the Netherlands and Israel.
The violence left five people hospitalized and led to the arrest of 62 individuals, with authorities confirming that some rioters specifically sought out Israeli fans to target them. Mayor Femke Halsema described the attacks as “against everything we’re proud of in Amsterdam,” and reflected on how the events brought to mind the tragic history of attacks on Jews, such as Kristallnacht in 1939. Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla added that several of the attacks involved “scooter hit-and-runs.”
In a statement, the city’s police force emphasized that Israeli supporters were violently attacked in multiple locations across the city, requiring police intervention to protect them and escort them to safety. Despite a large police presence, several individuals were injured in what authorities have called an “unacceptable” and “antisemitic” outburst.
As tensions rose, videos began circulating online, showing Maccabi supporters engaging in provocative behavior before the match, including tearing down a Palestinian flag. Following the game, some Maccabi supporters were also filmed disrupting a minute’s silence held for victims of recent floods in Spain. These incidents contributed to the charged atmosphere that led to the later violence.
Despite earlier plans to send “rescue planes” to fetch Israeli fans, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later canceled the flights, advising fans to return on commercial airlines. However, the attacks led to significant international concern, with Netanyahu comparing the violence to Kristallnacht. He also urged Dutch authorities to act swiftly in prosecuting those responsible.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence, expressing his horror and calling it completely unacceptable. He assured that those behind the attacks would be tracked down and held accountable. In response to the unrest, Amsterdam implemented several security measures, including a ban on demonstrations for three days and additional police deployment in the city center.
The international community reacted strongly, with Israeli officials calling the attacks “barbaric” and condemning the antisemitism behind them. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning anti-Arab chants by Israelis, adding to the complexity of the political tension surrounding the violence.
