Introduction
A disturbing wave of violence broke out in Amsterdam on Thursday as mobs attacked Israeli soccer fans following a Europa League game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Assaults, which included men on scooters pursuing fans through streets, left five people hospitalized and prompted authorities to arrest dozens. Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema described incidents as a “black night” for the city, denouncing violence as “unbearable.”
Antisemitic Attacks Shock Amsterdam
attacks, which both Dutch and Israeli officials have condemned as antisemitic, unfolded in multiple locations around the city after the match held at Johan Cruijff Arena. Tensions had been simmering for days, as videos circulated online showing Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans while moving through Amsterdam, adding to an atmosphere of hostility.
Halsema and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned violence in no uncertain terms. “Re is no excuse for the attacks,” Halsema said, while Schoof spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assure him that perpetrators would be brought to justice. The Israeli government also responded, coordinating with El Al, Israel’s national airline, to arrange a rescue flight from Amsterdam for fans. Israelis in the city were advised to remain in ir hotels until authorities could provide safe passage to the airport.
Amid Middle East Tensions, European Antisemitism on the Rise
se attacks come amid a surge of antisemitic incidents across Europe, partially fueled by the prolonged Israel-Gaza conflict, which has drawn global attention and protests. Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, where it has been targeting Hezbollah forces, have intensified criticisms and heightened tensions in European cities with sizable Muslim populations, such as Amsterdam. European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency reported this summer that antisemitic violence has spiked, reflecting rising tensions in regions with diverse communities.
As incidents of antisemitism increase, officials and advocates alike have been quick to denounce such attacks as intolerable. German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert stated on social media, “Chasing and beating up Israeli soccer fans is not anti-war protest. It is criminal and intolerable, and we must all stand against it.”
European Soccer Community Responds
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) also expressed its condemnation, with plans to investigate and review any disciplinary actions in connection to violence. This latest incident adds pressure to organizations to enforce stronger security measures, especially as Israeli teams have already faced difficulties finding willing hosts for games. Belgium, citing security concerns tied to the Gaza conflict, refused to host an Israeli match in September. France, however, has affirmed it will continue with plans to host an Israeli team next week, with French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stating that canceling the match would be “giving in to antisemitism.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Investigation
Amsterdam Police Chief Peter Holla confirmed that unrest had begun the night before the game when Israeli fans allegedly vandalized a taxi and ignited a Palestinian flag. Holla expressed shock over the escalation that followed the match, stating that police were initially unprepared for the volume and intensity of assaults. Despite heightened police presence, mobs of assailants managed to overwhelm officers, launching aggressive attacks on fans, with footage showing scooters and vehicles targeting individuals on streets.
In one particularly alarming video, an individual off-camera shouted, “For children!” and “Free Palestine now!” as an Israeli fan was struck repeatedly. Israeli Embassy in Washington shared a compilation of videos depicting violence, remarking that “days of chasing Jews down European city streets should remain in dark annals of history.”
Rising Concerns and Calls for Action
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced plans to visit the Netherlands in the wake of the events, condemning what he described as “barbaric anti-Semitism.” He characterized attacks as a dark reminder of Europe’s past struggles with anti-Jewish sentiment, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent further incidents.
Dutch government’s response, coupled with statements from various European officials, underscores the severity of the issue as European countries grapple with how to maintain public order amid rising international tensions. For many, events in Amsterdam serve as a troubling indicator of broader societal divides, with calls for unity and respect growing louder.
As Europe faces increased scrutiny over its response to antisemitic violence, Amsterdam’s “black night” serves as a grim reminder of work that remains to be done in fostering safer, more inclusive cities.
