Israeli Soccer Fans Attacked in Amsterdam; Five Hospitalized, Dozens Arrested
Following a Europa League soccer match between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Amsterdam’s Ajax, violent clashes erupted in the Dutch capital, with authorities describing the incidents as antisemitic rioting targeting Israeli supporters. The violence occurred despite Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema’s preemptive ban on a nearby pro-Palestinian demonstration due to concerns that tensions between supporters of the Israeli club and local groups could lead to conflict.
After the match, groups of rioters reportedly sought out Israeli fans in central Amsterdam, resulting in five people being hospitalized and the arrest of 62 individuals. Israeli supporters, many gathered near Amsterdam Central Station, were confronted by large crowds of rioters in scenes described by witnesses and Dutch authorities as “targeted antisemitic violence.” According to reports, confrontations began even before the game, with Maccabi fans marching through central Amsterdam in a show of support for Israel, tearing down Palestinian flags along the route, lighting flares, and chanting pro-Israel slogans. The escalating tension ultimately gave way to a night of chaos, with widespread fights and acts of vandalism in the city center.
In response, Israel’s government condemned the violence and initiated a coordinated effort to support Israeli citizens in Amsterdam. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong statement, calling the events a “premeditated antisemitic attack,” and initially arranged for two “rescue planes” to transport Israeli citizens back to Israel. However, this decision was later revised, with Netanyahu’s office focusing instead on organizing commercial flights home. Netanyahu also demanded “vigorous and swift action” from the Dutch government, emphasizing that “the harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.” Israel’s President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, describing the attack as a “pogrom,” a term that historically refers to violent anti-Jewish riots, and linked it to the broader antisemitic violence seen globally since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also expressed deep concern over the incidents, stating that he followed the reports “with horror” and affirmed his commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. “Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with everyone involved,” he shared on social media, noting that he had spoken directly with Netanyahu to reassure him that Dutch authorities were acting swiftly to address the violence and ensure public safety. Schoof added that the situation had since calmed and order had been restored to the capital.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington expressed dismay at the situation, describing the attacks as an organized “ambush” on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and laying blame on a “mob who targeted innocent Israelis.” The embassy's statement underscored that Israeli supporters, who had attended the match as fans, became direct targets in what they called an overt display of antisemitism.
Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders also weighed in, describing the incidents as a “Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam” in a strongly-worded post on social media. He urged the authorities to take severe action, calling for the arrest and deportation of what he referred to as “the multicultural scum” who attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. Known for his nationalist stance and unwavering support of Israel, Wilders called the events a “shame” on the Netherlands, asserting that such scenes should never occur in Dutch society.
This violence against Israeli supporters has drawn global attention to antisemitic incidents across Europe, highlighting growing safety concerns for Jewish communities and Israeli citizens abroad amid heightened geopolitical tensions and escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
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