Assaults Follow Soccer Match Amid Rising Tensions
Following a Europa League game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, Israeli fans were assaulted by groups of young people, reportedly driven by social media calls targeting Jewish individuals, according to Dutch authorities. The incident left five individuals hospitalized and prompted dozens of arrests, drawing widespread condemnation as an antisemitic act.
Authorities Report Widespread Antisemitic Incidents
Reports of antisemitic rhetoric, property damage, and violent incidents have surged throughout Europe since the Gaza conflict began. Tensions in Amsterdam were high prior to Thursday’s match, leading city officials to ban pro-Palestinian protests near the stadium. Video footage captured Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans en route to the game.
Youths Attack Fans After Game
After the game, groups of youths on scooters and on foot roamed the city, attacking Israeli fans before quickly fleeing to avoid police. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema highlighted social media messages discussing “Jew hunts,” expressing shock at such rhetoric. Justice Minister David van Weel pledged to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Witness Accounts Reveal Chaos
Maccabi fan Ofek Ziv recounted being hit by a rock and chased before taking refuge in a taxi. Another fan, Alyia Cohen, described a tense encounter near a hotel but remained unscathed due to not wearing team apparel. Cohen stated he would not be deterred from attending future matches, expressing resilience.
Dozens Injured; Arrests Made
Amsterdam police reported that five individuals required hospital treatment, while 20 to 30 people sustained minor injuries. Authorities detained 62 suspects, with 10 remaining in custody, according to public prosecutor René de Beukelaer.
Violence Challenges Amsterdam’s Reputation
The attacks challenged Amsterdam’s image as a haven of tolerance and religious refuge, a legacy dating back to the arrival of Sephardic Jewish refugees centuries ago. Mayor Halsema called the violence “an eruption of antisemitism” unseen in the city for decades.
International Response and Security Measures
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Amsterdam, decrying the widespread resurgence of antisemitism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Dutch authorities to respond forcefully, while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof interrupted a summit to address the issue. Amsterdam police increased security at Jewish sites and banned public demonstrations over the weekend.
Future Game Security Under Scrutiny
The incident is expected to impact future security planning for matches involving Israeli teams. UEFA has already moved Maccabi’s next match against Besiktas to a neutral venue. Italian authorities also tightened security for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s basketball game in Bologna.
Continued Tensions Amid European Matches
Despite security concerns, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau affirmed that Israel’s upcoming match against France in Paris would proceed, emphasizing that sports should uphold universal values and not succumb to intimidation.
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