The Mayor of Amsterdam has declared enhanced security protocols throughout the city following a night of unrest described by officials as anti-Semitic. However, there were also reports of provocative chants from Israeli soccer fans that night.
In light of the turmoil, Israel dispatched commercial flights to the Netherlands to assist in bringing back Israeli soccer fans, with the initial flight arriving in Tel Aviv this afternoon.
As a result of the clashes, local police reported five individuals were hospitalized, while 62 others were arrested. Currently, ten of those arrested remain in custody.
Despite the serious situation, some footage emerged showing Israeli supporters engaging in anti-Arab chants prior to the match last evening.
Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, condemned the violence, stating that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans faced “attacks, abuse, and fireworks being hurled at them.” Fortunately, riot police were on hand to protect the fans and assist them to their hotels.
In response to the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered two rescue planes to the Netherlands. Videos circulated on social media depicted the chaotic street clashes and the interventions made by riot police.
Following the unrest, security measures have been tightened in the city, particularly as hundreds gathered to commemorate Kristallnacht—the infamous Nazi pogrom against Jews that unfolded across Germany on November 9-10, 1938.
Since Israel commenced its military actions in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks, incidents of anti-Semitism have surged in the Netherlands. Jewish organizations and schools have reported a sharp increase in threats and hate-filled correspondence.
Casualties from this ongoing conflict are staggering, with Gaza health officials reporting over 43,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 102,000 injuries due to Israeli military operations. In contrast, the Palestinian militant group’s attacks on October 7 led to the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis, with additional individuals taken hostage, per Israeli reports.
Netanyahu’s office disclosed that the order for rescue flights was issued after what they referred to as “a very violent incident” targeting Israeli individuals following the match between Maccabi and Ajax Amsterdam, a club known for its Jewish identity.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reached out to the Dutch government, urging them to ensure the safe transit of Israeli citizens to the airport. This was communicated to Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp during a morning call.
One verified video presented by Reuters showcased a chaotic scene near Amsterdam’s central station, where a group of men chased and assaulted others, punctuated by the wailing of police sirens.
Conversely, another verified clip showed Maccabi supporters igniting flares and chanting provocative slogans referencing the Israel Defense Forces. “Ole, ole, let the IDF win, we’ll screw the Arabs!” was among the chants heard.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his horror regarding the anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli individuals, labeling them “totally unacceptable.” He assured Netanyahu via phone that “the individuals responsible will be identified and held accountable.”
In a powerful message on social media, Schoof stated, “I have been closely monitoring the situation in Amsterdam, and I am horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens. This is absolutely unacceptable. I am in continuous communication with all relevant parties and spoke to @IsraeliPM Netanyahu, emphasizing that those responsible will face justice.” — Dick Schoof (@MinPres) November 8, 2024
Israeli President Isaac Herzog conversed with Dutch King Willem-Alexander, who expressed his profound shock and dismay at the criminal actions perpetrated against the Israeli community. Herzog relayed that the King had conveyed the sentiment that the Netherlands had historically failed its Jewish population during World War II and again during the recent incidents.
Herzog lamented, “This morning, we witness appalling images that remind us of a grim past—a scenario that we feared we would never see again following the events of October 7: an anti-Semitic pogrom going on against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in the heart of Amsterdam.” This was shared via his post on social media.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her outrage over the attacks, stating, “I am appalled by the despicable acts targeting Israeli citizens in Amsterdam,” and noted that she had coordinated with Prime Minister Schoof regarding the situation.
“I completely condemn these unacceptable actions. There is no room for antisemitism in Europe, and we are resolutely committed to combating all forms of hatred.”
Far-right MP Geert Wilders, who leads the largest party in the Dutch government, voiced his disapproval of the violent incidents in Amsterdam, publicly declaring, “I am ashamed that such a thing can happen in the Netherlands. It is utterly unacceptable.”
Reports indicate viewer sentiment regarding the match was tense, with approximately 3,000 Maccabi supporters traveling to Amsterdam for the match.
The Israeli embassy in The Hague revealed that mobs had chanted anti-Israel slogans, circulating footage of violence including “kicking, beating, and even running over Israeli citizens”.
They added, “On the eve of Kristallnacht—when Jews faced horrific violence during World War II—it is chilling to see anti-Semitic actions in the streets of Europe once more.”
Authorities noted that, following the soccer match, pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with police as they attempted to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena despite a ban on protests in that area. However, fans exited the stadium without incident after Ajax secured a resounding 5-0 victory in the Europa League matchup.
Concerned voices from the Israeli community suggested that the attacks appeared premeditated, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, a leading newspaper.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is reportedly gearing up for a rescue operation to assist those caught in the chaos.
In another sporting context, the Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France in Paris is set to proceed as scheduled next week, despite the surrounding unrest. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated, “Some are calling for the France-Israel match to be moved. I refuse to accept that.”
Retailleau further asserted, “France will not back down, as doing so would mean conceding to threats of violence and anti-Semitism.” He has called on the Paris police chief to implement necessary security protocols for the upcoming match on November 14.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has ignited protests supporting both sides across Europe and the U.S., leading to heightened tensions and violence targeting both Arabs and Jews.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
