Sixty-two people were arrested in Amsterdam after violent clashes broke out between football fans following a Europa League match. Both Dutch and Israeli leaders have condemned the violence as antisemitic.
The incident occurred after a game between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax. According to Dutch police, five people were hospitalized and numerous Israeli supporters were targeted in the attacks, both before and after the match.
Clashes broke out in Amsterdam last night between groups of Israeli and Arab descent.
Antisemitic Attacks on Israeli Fans
Authorities reported that rioters actively sought out Israeli fans to assault. Some Israeli supporters were thrown into Amsterdam’s canals by attackers, where they were forced to shout “Free Palestine.” The violence began before the game and escalated after Maccabi Tel Aviv lost to Ajax. Several videos shared on social media showed disturbing scenes of people being kicked and beaten on the streets.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by sending planes to Amsterdam to help evacuate Israeli citizens. The planes will carry medical supplies and offer rescue flights back to Israel.
Dutch and Israeli Responses
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the violence “completely unacceptable” and labeled it antisemitic. He stated that the Dutch government was in contact with Israeli officials and vowed that those responsible would be prosecuted.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the attacks as a “shocking” antisemitic pogrom. He expressed concern that the violence mirrored similar incidents from the tragic events of October 7th.
IDF’s Response: Protecting Citizens
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), emphasized that the decision to send planes to Amsterdam was part of Israel’s “historic duty of protecting our people.” Shoshani stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens abroad, especially in light of the recent wave of antisemitic violence. The planes dispatched by the Israeli government would not only assist in evacuating citizens but would also carry medical supplies for those in need.
Protests and Clashes Near Stadium
In the lead-up to the match, tensions were high. Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, had banned pro-Palestinian protests near the Johan Cruyff Arena, fearing clashes between opposing groups. However, protests still occurred, and police made several arrests before the match even started.
The violence continued near the stadium, with police detaining more individuals in the aftermath of the game. In total, 62 people were arrested, many near the stadium and in the city center.
International Reactions
The US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt, condemned the attacks. She expressed concern about how long the violence lasted and called for a thorough investigation by Dutch authorities.
