Israeli Fans Attacked in Amsterdam Amid Rising Antisemitism \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Following a soccer match in Amsterdam between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israeli fans were targeted and assaulted in what authorities are calling an antisemitic attack, fueled by social media incitement. The violence left five people hospitalized and prompted the arrest of dozens. Dutch and European officials condemned the incident, emphasizing the rise in antisemitic violence amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Antisemitic Violence Erupts in Amsterdam After Soccer Game: Quick Looks
- Incident Details: Israeli fans faced violence after a match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The attacks followed incitement on social media platforms.
- Injuries and Arrests: Five fans required hospital treatment, with dozens more lightly injured. Authorities arrested 62 individuals, 10 of whom remained in custody.
- Official Condemnations: Leaders in Amsterdam, Israel, and Europe denounced the attacks as antisemitic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged strong action, while EU President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the commitment to combat all forms of hatred.
- Increased Security: Amsterdam’s mayor announced heightened security at Jewish sites, marking the incident as an unprecedented eruption of antisemitism in the city.
- Historical Irony: The violence occurred in a city renowned for tolerance and home to Anne Frank’s family, challenging its image as a haven for persecuted communities.
- Broader Context: The attacks reflect a wider trend of rising antisemitic incidents in Europe linked to tensions over the Gaza conflict.
- Sports and Safety: The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of hosting matches involving Israeli teams and the heightened risks faced by Jewish communities in Europe.
Deep Look into the Incident and Its Implications
Timeline of the Violence
Tensions had been building in Amsterdam ahead of the match, with authorities preemptively banning pro-Palestinian demonstrations near the stadium to prevent clashes. Video footage from before the game showed a group of Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans as they moved towards the venue under police escort. Despite these measures, chaos ensued post-match, as young attackers dispersed across the city, punching and kicking fans before fleeing to avoid arrest. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the event as “an eruption of antisemitism that we had hoped never again to see.”
Ofek Ziv, a fan from Petah Tikva, recounted being struck by a rock and chased before finding refuge in a taxi. “I’m very scared, it’s very striking. And the police didn’t come to help us,” Ziv shared, expressing disappointment in the response from authorities.
Arrests and Official Statements
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel issued a strong statement, demanding swift and decisive action from the Dutch government. “He views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office. The Israeli leader’s comments underscored the broader implications for safety and antisemitism faced by Jewish communities worldwide.
European leaders joined the chorus of condemnation. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the EU’s commitment to protecting Jewish communities, stating, “Antisemitism has absolutely no place in Europe, and we are determined to fight it and to fight all forms of hatred.” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof interrupted his participation in a European Union summit in Hungary to return home, signaling the severity of the situation.
Historical Context and Impact on Amsterdam
The city’s connection to its Jewish heritage runs deep, with Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal centuries ago finding refuge there. Even Ajax, the local soccer club, has historical links to Amsterdam’s Jewish community, as visiting fans would pass through the Jewish quarter en route to its old stadium. Some Ajax fans still wave Star of David flags and chant the Dutch word for Jews, further entwining the club’s identity with Jewish culture.
The Role of Social Media and Growing Tensions
Mayor Halsema pointed to social media as a catalyst, citing how antisemitic rhetoric on platforms like Telegram fueled the attackers. “There is talk of people going on a Jew hunt. That is so shocking and so despicable that I still cannot fathom it,” she said. This reflects a broader trend across Europe, where digital platforms have played a role in spreading incitement and escalating real-world violence.
Security Measures and Future Implications
In response to the attacks, Dutch police announced bolstered security at Jewish institutions throughout Amsterdam. Authorities also banned all protests for the upcoming weekend and granted police expanded powers to conduct searches. Sara Tillart, a spokeswoman for the Amsterdam police, said it was still too early in the investigation to determine whether other groups beyond soccer fans were targeted.
The escalation has also impacted other sports. Italian police announced increased security for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s basketball game in Bologna. In France, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that Israel’s national soccer team would still face France in Paris as planned, emphasizing that backing down would send the wrong message. “For a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up,” Retailleau stated, citing the Paris Olympics as an example of sports fostering unity.
Broader Reflections and Global Reactions
Ben Mansford, CEO of Maccabi Tel Aviv, lamented the current climate as he spoke from Israel’s international airport. “Lots of people went to watch a football game… to support Israel, to support the star of David. For them to be attacked, that’s very sad times for us all given the last year we’ve had,” he said.
