Disgrace to Europe: Details emerged on attack on Israeli fans in Amsterdam

Contents

• Slogans, attacks, and beatings of Israelis: What happened in Amsterdam

• Israel expresses outrage, begins evacuating citizens from Amsterdam

• Shock and shame: How the Netherlands and Europe are reacting to attacks

Slogans, attacks, and beatings of Israelis: What happened in Amsterdam

The attacks took place in several parts of Amsterdam after the local team "Ajax" played against "Maccabi Tel Aviv" in the fourth round of the Europa League. The match ended with a 5-0 victory for Ajax. However, what happened later was far from typical football fan skirmishes.

According to Mayor Femke Halsema, the fans were attacked in several areas, subjected to verbal abuse, and targeted with fireworks. Furthermore, attackers deliberately sought out Israeli fans. Several people were injured despite the extensive police presence in the city.

In a joint statement from the mayor, police, and chief prosecutor of Amsterdam, it was noted that the violence went beyond all imaginable boundaries. Police reportedly had to fend off attackers and escort Israeli fans to their hotels.

"There is no justification for the antisemitic behavior seen last night," the statement said.

Some horrifying "just anti-Zionism" in Amsterdam tonight as Israeli soccer fans are lynched by huge pro-Palestine mobs. Where are the police?! pic.twitter.com/HMwQgCwJMi

— Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) November 8, 2024

Estimates of the number of injured vary from a hundred to 10-12 individuals. Local hospitals confirmed that they were treating seven patients who were discharged after initial care. Several people were attacked in one of the hotels.

Videos of the attacks have circulated widely on social media. The Israeli embassy in the U.S. released a video showing a man lying on the ground being kicked. Another video shows a group of people jumping out of a van, chasing down a victim, and forcing them to shout "Free Palestine." The man offered money and begged to be left alone.

According to the embassy, hundreds of "Maccabi Tel Aviv" fans were ambushed as they left the stadium. Other videos show Israelis being pursued with shouts of "Free Palestine" and demands to repeat the slogan.

The Times of Israel reported that Israeli fans may have provoked Arabs and Palestinians in Amsterdam. According to the publication, they allegedly shouted insults at Arabs and defaced Palestinian flags.

Tensions had been building before the match. Several incidents were reported as early as Wednesday, including the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building facade on Rokin Street, and an attack on a taxi driver. On Thursday afternoon, there were disturbances at Dam Square, where "Maccabi" fans had gathered.

The police had to block a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators heading toward Ajax’s stadium. Over forty people were detained at that time.

Photo: Before the night's incidents, fan rallies were held in Amsterdam (Getty Images)

So far, a total of 62 people involved in the unrest have been detained. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reports that ten Israeli citizens were injured in Amsterdam.

Among the missing is 33-year-old Guy Avidor, who traveled to the match from London. There has been no contact with him as of now. According to Maariv newspaper, there was at least one attempted kidnapping of an Israeli, and many hid in stores and buildings.

One fan recounted his experience after the match to NOS as he was heading to the metro to reach the central train station. He said the fans were easily identifiable as many were wearing "Maccabi" scarves and shirts.

"At the station, we were met by many Muslims who came after us and wanted to ‘fight’ us. They attacked us and shouted, 'Free Palestine.' Police were there and told us to go to the hotel quickly, and we had to run," he said.

Others complained that the police abandoned the fans and gave no instructions after directing them to their hotels.

Israel expresses outrage, begins evacuating citizens from Amsterdam

Israel is taking the situation very seriously. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he had been informed of a very violent incident against Israeli citizens.

"The Prime Minister receives regular updates and has ordered the urgent dispatch of two rescue planes. The brutal footage of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not go unnoticed. Netanyahu demands that the Dutch government and security forces take decisive action against the attackers," stated his office.

Defense Minister Israel Katz reached out to Dutch authorities for assistance in relocating Israelis to safer locations.

Initially, Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) were considered for involvement in the rescue operation in coordination with Dutch authorities. Plans were reportedly in place for evacuation flights with medical and rescue teams on board. However, this decision was later canceled. "It was decided there was no need to send a professional rescue mission," Netanyahu's spokesperson noted.

Instead, efforts are focused on using regular flights from Amsterdam. Specifically, passengers with return tickets can take El Al flights at no extra cost, regardless of the airline from which tickets were purchased.

Photo: A significant portion of Amsterdam's population is of Arab descent; a man of Moroccan heritage is seen amidst Maccabi fans (x.com/leylahamed).

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel announced that individuals who lost their documents would be allowed to board planes without issue.

Additionally, citizens will be sent another flight in the evening. El Al typically does not operate flights on Saturdays, but extra flights are planned for tomorrow.

In Israel, the incidents have sparked horror. "This is reminiscent of an orchestrated pogrom," stated former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

President Isaac Herzog described the events as an antisemitic pogrom. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that the fans were attacked "because they are Jews and because they are Israelis."

His office advised citizens to return home as soon as possible or to remain in hotel rooms temporarily. Israelis are urged to avoid openly displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols. The Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club issued a similar advisory.

Meanwhile, fans are gradually arriving at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where police and military personnel are visibly present.

A recent statement from Netanyahu's office said the Prime Minister had spoken with his Dutch counterpart, Dick Schoof.

"Netanyahu stated he takes the antisemitic attack on Israeli citizens very seriously and demands increased security measures for the Dutch Jewish community," emphasized his office.

Shock and shame: How the Netherlands and Europe are reacting to attacks

Populist "Freedom Party" leader Geert Wilders stated the incident was similar to "hunting Jews on Amsterdam's streets."

"Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable," he posted on social media platform X.

He added that he had been warning about the rising antisemitism fueled by mass immigration and Islamization in the Netherlands for over 20 years. He also called for an urgent debate with Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

The Prime Minister described the unrest as unacceptable.

"The antisemitic violence that can occur in 2024 is shocking and demands condemnation. People should feel safe. The fact that this happened in the Netherlands brings shame upon us all. I am personally ashamed of this," he declared.

He stated that those responsible will be found and held accountable.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema mentioned that the scale of the incidents and the number of victims and arrests are still being determined. The police are in contact with the government, the Israeli Embassy, and the local Jewish community. Reinforced police patrols will soon be deployed in the city. "Additionally, special attention will be given to the security of Jewish institutions and sites," she added.

There is also information that police are investigating the role Amsterdam taxi drivers may have played in the attacks. Although specific evidence has not yet been confirmed, the head of the Central Jewish Consultation, Hanan Hertzberger, issued direct accusations.

"It seems that even app traffic data indicates a meticulously planned pogrom. They moved in groups and cornered their victims," he stated.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed outrage over the attacks on Israeli fans. "I strongly condemn these unacceptable acts. There is absolutely no place for antisemitism in Europe. We will fight all forms of this hatred," she said.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also commented in a similar vein. "The images from Amsterdam are horrifying and shameful for Europe. The surge of violence against Jews has crossed all boundaries. There is no justification for this," she emphasized.

French media are warning about increased tensions in their country due to Israel’s war in Gaza. France has the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Europe.

Next week, a match with the Israeli national team will take place in Paris. It’s reported that 2,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure order at Stade de France. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that the game would not be postponed. "France will not back down, as doing so would concede to threats and antisemitism," he added.

Sources: Statements by Dutch and Israeli politicians, materials by The Times of Israel, ad.nl, and nos.nl.