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Dozens of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were victims of anti-Semitic attacks in Amsterdam on the night between Thursday and Friday, on the sidelines of a Europa League match. On Thursday there were around ten injured and 57 people arrested.
AND “terrible accident” for the Israeli prime minister who denounces “a premeditated anti-Semitic attack”. Benjamin Netanyahu ordered two planes sent to Amsterdam on Friday morning to rescue Maccabi Tel Aviv fans after clashes led to dozens of arrests on the sidelines of a Europa League match. The Israeli newspaper reports it Haaretz3000 Israeli supporters traveled to Amsterdam. “The Prime Minister has ordered the immediate dispatch of two rescue planes to help our citizens,” according to a press release from its services, while the Israeli army for its part has made it known that it is preparing “a rescue mission” including a cargo plane.
Clashes broke out during the night in the center of Amsterdam, at the end of the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, won by the Dutch club (5-0). The Israeli newspaper reports it Haaretz, there were around ten injured. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also said it had not heard from two of their citizens.
“Israeli attacks unacceptable”
Police protected Israeli supporters in their hotel. The Amsterdam police, quoted by the ANP agency, indicated that they had made 57 arrests in total during the day. On Thursday he indicated that it was “particularly vigilant” on his X account, after reporting several incidents, including a Palestinian flag torn from a facade “from strangers”.
This Friday, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced “unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis”. During a telephone interview he had with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu “said that he took the premeditated anti-Semitic attack against Israeli citizens seriously and called for greater security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.” He asked that the perpetrators were “desired and pursued”.
In the afternoon, around a hundred Israeli supporters gathered in Dam Square – surrounded by a large police force – before heading to the Johan Cruyff stadium, south-west of the Dutch capital. A pro-Palestinian demonstration was initially planned near the stadium to condemn the arrival of the Israeli club, but for security reasons it was moved a little further away from Amsterdam city hall.
Update : at 7:45, with new elements; to 8:35, with more context.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle Eastern Conflict Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a troubling incident that occurred recently in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans during a Europa League match. Can you give us an overview of what transpired?
Expert: Of course, thank you for having me. The events unfolded on the night of the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which ended in a 5-0 defeat for the Israeli team. During and after the game, there were violent clashes involving Maccabi fans. Reports indicate that at least ten people were injured, and law enforcement arrested 57 individuals. This incident has raised significant concern, particularly given the alleged anti-Semitic motivations behind the attacks.
Editor: Yes, we’ve seen strong reactions from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He referred to the situation as a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack.” How significant is this statement in the broader context of rising anti-Semitism?
Expert: Netanyahu’s remarks highlight a significant concern within Israel about the growing tide of anti-Semitism. His government’s response—dispatching rescue planes to bring affected fans home—underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This event feeds into ongoing fears among Jewish communities worldwide about safety, particularly in Europe, where anti-Semitic incidents have been on the rise in recent years. It serves as a reminder of the deep-seated tensions that can erupt at the intersection of sports and broader political conflicts.
Editor: Indeed. The fact that the clashes took place in a sports environment complicates the narrative further. How do you see the interplay between sports and political tensions, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Expert: Sports have always been a platform for expression, and they can sometimes reflect or even exacerbate political tensions. In this case, football matches often attract passionate fans, and when those fans identify strongly with national or political sentiments, the atmosphere can become charged. This incident demonstrates how deeply politics can intrude into the sporting arena, particularly in the context of unresolved conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The intense emotions surrounding these games can sometimes manifest as aggression, sometimes aimed at the supporters themselves.
Editor: This raises an important question about the responsibilities of sports organizations and host cities. What can be done to prevent such violent incidents in the future?
Expert: It starts with increased awareness and proactive measures from both football clubs and local authorities. This includes better security protocols, sensitivity training for law enforcement, and initiatives to promote respect and understanding among rival fans. It’s essential for organizers to foster an inclusive atmosphere rather than one that could lead to hostility. Additionally, inter-community dialogue and outreach programs could help alleviate broader tensions that manifest during such events.
Editor: These recent events will surely continue to resonate in the public discourse. How should the international community respond to both this incident and the underlying issues of anti-Semitism and violence related to sports?
Expert: A strong international response is crucial. Governments and sports organizations should work collaboratively to denounce hate and promote inclusivity. This includes acknowledging the implications of anti-Semitism and addressing it head-on rather than shying away from difficult conversations. Furthermore, international sporting bodies have a responsibility to implement guidelines that protect all fans, ensuring that sports can be a uniting force rather than a potential catalyst for conflict.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. It’s a complex issue that requires ongoing dialogue and action. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s an important discussion, and I hope we can see progress in making sporting events safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.