Anti-Semitic Attacks in Amsterdam: Israel Sends Planes to Evacuate Football Fans
Violence Erupts in Amsterdam
Israel was sending commercial planes to the Netherlands on Friday to bring home Israeli football fans after overnight attacks in Amsterdam that officials described as antisemitic, although there was evidence of provocative chanting from Israeli fans.
Videos Show Clashes and Provocative Chanting
Videos on social media showed riot police intervening in clashes, with some attackers shouting anti-Israeli slurs. But some footage also showed Israeli supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans before Thursday evening’s match.
Amsterdam Mayor Condemns Violence
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were "attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks" and that riot police intervened to protect them and escort them to hotels. At least five people were treated in hospital, she said.
Security Measures Increased
Security measures were increased in the city, where hundreds gathered on Thursday to remember Kristallnacht, the Nazi pogrom against Jews across Germany on November 9-10, 1938.
Antisemitic Incidents Surge in Netherlands
Antisemitic incidents have surged in the Netherlands since Israel launched its assault on Gaza after the attacks on Israel by the Palestinian Hamas group on October 7, 2023, with many Jewish organisations and schools reporting threats and hate mail.
Prime Minister Assures Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the order to send planes was taken after "a very violent incident" targeting Israeli citizens after the match between Maccabi and Ajax Amsterdam, traditionally identified as a Jewish club.
Dutch Prime Minister Condemns Violence
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he was "horrified by the anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli citizens", which he called "completely unacceptable". Schoof said he had assured Netanyahu by phone that "the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted".
WILDERS URGES DEPORTATION OF “CRIMINAL MUSLIMS”
Anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders, head of the largest party in the Dutch government, said he was "ashamed that this can happen in the Netherlands". In a vitriolic post on the social media platform X, he blamed "criminal Muslims" and said they should be deported.
Police Detain 62 Suspects
Police said 62 suspects had been detained after the game as pro-Palestinian demonstrators tried to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena, even though the city had forbidden a protest there.
Israelis Call for Increased Security
The Israeli embassy in The Hague said mobs had chanted anti-Israel slogans and shared videos of their violence on social media, "kicking, beating, even running over Israeli citizens". "On the eve of Kristallnacht — when Jews in Nazi Germany faced brutal attacks — it is horrifying to witness antisemitic violence on the streets of Europe once again," it said.
Conclusion
The violence in Amsterdam highlights the growing trend of antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands and around the world. As the conflict in Gaza continues, it is crucial that leaders and citizens take a strong stance against hate speech and violence.
FAQs
Q: What triggered the violence in Amsterdam?
A: The violence was triggered by the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam, which was played on Thursday evening.
Q: How many people were treated in hospital?
A: At least five people were treated in hospital.
Q: How many suspects were detained?
A: 62 suspects were detained.
Q: What did the Israeli embassy say about the violence?
A: The Israeli embassy said that mobs had chanted anti-Israel slogans and shared videos of their violence on social media, "kicking, beating, even running over Israeli citizens".