Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.
Violence Erupts in Amsterdam as Israeli Fans Targeted; Dutch Leaders, European Allies Respond
King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, stressing the importance of safety for Jewish citizens and warning against a rise in antisemitic behavior. The Dutch monarch highlighted the country’s responsibility to prevent the spread of hate, saying, “Our history has taught us how intimidation can escalate, and we cannot turn a blind eye to this behavior.” His remarks follow attacks on supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv who were in Amsterdam for a Europa League match against Ajax.
Reports indicate that groups of young men on scooters orchestrated a series of “hit-and-run” assaults on Israeli fans across the Dutch capital. According to police, five people were hospitalized and others sustained minor injuries, with at least 62 individuals arrested. Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema, visibly disturbed by the events, expressed her condolences to the victims, adding, “My heart goes out to those affected, both here and in Israel.”
Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who cut short his attendance at an EU summit, pledged swift justice for those involved in the attacks. “The perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted,” he stated, denouncing the violence as “appalling.” The timing of the attacks just before Kristallnacht commemorations, which mark the 1938 Nazi-led pogrom against Jewish communities has made the incidents even more concerning for local and international leaders.
Clashes Erupt Before and After the Match
Tensions flared before the match as minor clashes broke out between Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian protesters, with Israeli supporters reportedly removing and burning a Palestinian flag. According to the Amsterdam police chief, Peter Holla, while there were isolated incidents of unrest, the violence escalated dramatically following the game, as fans traveling from the Johan Cruyff Arena to central Amsterdam were attacked.
Despite measures taken by local officials, including moving pro-Palestinian protesters away from the stadium, the attacks continued, with reports of fireworks, verbal abuse, and physical assaults. Unverified social media videos showed disturbing scenes of individuals being beaten, chased by mopeds, and even struck by vehicles. Witnesses, including British visitors, recounted chaotic scenes with small groups targeting Israeli supporters.
Mayor Halsema confirmed that taxi drivers had also participated in the incidents, corroborating statements from the Central Jewish Committee (CJO) that some drivers “moved in groups and cornered their targets.” The mayor expressed shame over the attacks, condemning messages on social media that appeared to encourage violence against Jewish citizens.
International Condemnation and Calls for Action
The attacks have drawn swift condemnation from leaders across Europe, the US, and Israel. US President Joe Biden described the events as “a chilling reminder of dark moments in history when Jewish communities were persecuted.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog likened the violence to a “pogrom” and called on Dutch authorities to act decisively to protect Israeli and Jewish citizens in Amsterdam.
Concerns about potential spillover violence have prompted the Israeli national security council to warn citizens to avoid public gatherings and certain events in Europe. Additional precautions were taken at a EuroLeague basketball game in Bologna, Italy, where Israeli players received a security escort to mitigate risks of similar incidents.
Heightened Security and Future Implications
In response to the attacks, El Al arranged emergency flights to repatriate Israeli fans, with passengers returning to Israel sharing harrowing accounts of their experiences. The violence in Amsterdam has sparked broader concerns about the safety of Israeli and Jewish travelers in Europe, leading officials and local Jewish communities to call for enhanced protective measures.
The recent escalation in antisemitic violence has ignited a national conversation in the Netherlands, raising questions about community safety, the role of social media, and the need for stronger legal and social responses to hate-driven incidents. As leaders emphasize the importance of ensuring safety for all citizens, Amsterdam’s recent events serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred and intolerance.
