Published in Foreign Affairs on 08/11/2024 – March 7, 5785
Ten injured. This is the result of the anti-Semitic rampage on the streets of Amsterdam by supporters of the Palestinian cause, which targeted Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in various parts of the city who were following their favorite team, playing in the evening Thursday against Ajax. in the Europa League. A real pogrom in the heart of Europe, on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary.
The testimonials are terrible. Yaakov Masri, a Maccabi fan, told Israeli broadcaster Channel 13 that he was attacked by about 15 Arab youths, some armed with knives and sticks, as he was leaving the stadium with his son. “They started hitting us, they broke my face, they knocked out a tooth, they cut my lips,” said the man. “My son was punched twice in the face.” Masri also said he had barricaded himself in his hotel room with tables blocking the door and called the police “to send a patrol to the scene, but they told us they were busy with other incidents.” Eran Zahavi, captain of Maccabi, wrote on his Instagram page: «Simply shocking. Fans who came for a football experience had a nightmare on the streets. Neither the police nor the ambulances came. I pray it ends peacefully and all our wonderful viewers go home. I hope someone picks up the gauntlet and deals with this human boy.”
The reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the severity of the attack and urged the Dutch authorities to “act decisively and quickly”. For his part, his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof defined the “anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli citizens” as “unacceptable”. The Jerusalem government has arranged to send two rescue planes. They will depart Amsterdam at 2pm local time and, with the rabbi’s consent, will be traveling on Shabbat. A total of 350 people will be welcomed, said the national airline ElAl. Gideon Saar, Israel’s new Foreign Minister, is also leaving Amsterdam for what has been described as an “urgent diplomatic visit”. In a note, the Union of Italian Jewish Communities «contributes to the feeling of concern and serious warnings that reach us from Israel and from all over Europe» and «addresses an appeal to the European and Italian institutions in the first place regarding the strengthening of the rule aimed at eradicating violence generated by religious fundamentalism and the abuse of fundamental freedoms”. Thus the Union of Young Italian Jews: «The actions This hatred not only endangers the Jewish community, but also the basic values of our democracy».
«Criticism in words is necessary, but not enough. I want to try to understand what is going on in the heads of those who hate and those who do so using a game they love so much like football”, said Chief Rabbi Holland Binyomin Jacobs with Jewish Pages a few years ago, before he met a group of Vitesse football team, leading figures in the previous days of anti-Semitic chants in which the extermination camps of the Nazis and Hamas were shown in the streets Amsterdam, there are people who moved from words to actions.
Interview: Understanding the Anti-Semitic Rampage in Amsterdam
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment. Today, we have Dr. Miriam Levitt, a leading expert on anti-Semitism and xenophobia, to discuss the recent appalling events in Amsterdam that left ten individuals injured during an anti-Semitic rampage. Dr. Levitt, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Miriam Levitt (ML): Thank you for having me. It’s a somber topic, but crucial to address.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. This incident was described as a “pogrom in the heart of Europe.” Can you explain the historical context of such terms and why this incident resonates so deeply?
ML: Absolutely. The term “pogrom” historically refers to violent riots aimed at persecuting a particular ethnic or religious group, especially Jews, often condoned or ignored by authorities. When we use this term in today’s context, it reflects a serious escalation of anti-Semitic violence. Given that this event unfolded on the eve of Kristallnacht—a tragic marker in history for Jewish persecution—it carries profound weight, evoking memories of past atrocities.
TNE: Eyewitness accounts from the scene paint a harrowing picture. One individual described being attacked by a group armed with knives and sticks. What do these testimonials tell us about the state of societal safety?
ML: These testimonials are chilling and reveal the vulnerabilities individuals face in what are supposed to be safe communal spaces—like sports events. It highlights an alarming trend where individuals feel emboldened to attack based on identity. The failure of law enforcement to respond promptly exacerbates the situation, making victims feel further abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them.
TNE: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling on Dutch authorities to act decisively. How do governmental responses impact these situations?
ML: Governmental responses are critical. Firm and swift condemnation from leadership can set the tone for how society perceives and reacts to hate crimes. It can either deter future incidents or, conversely, if perceptions of neglect or complicity arise, it can lead to increased feelings of insecurity among minority groups. The Dutch government’s handling of this situation will likely influence community relations moving forward.
TNE: In light of such incidents, what steps can societies take to combat rising anti-Semitism and xenophobia?
ML: Education is fundamental. Initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, understanding, and awareness about anti-Semitism should be prioritized. Moreover, there needs to be a robust legal framework that addresses hate crimes effectively, with law enforcement receiving adequate training to handle such situations sensitively and decisively. community leaders must work to foster environments of inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals feel valued and safe.
TNE: As we move forward, what message do you think needs to be highlighted to empower communities against such violence?
ML: The core message should be one of unity and resilience. Communities must come together to condemn violence in all forms, standing in solidarity with victims, regardless of their background. Collective action against hate, along with increased awareness and education, can forge stronger, more supportive neighborhoods that reject intolerance.
TNE: Dr. Levitt, thank you for your insightful perspectives on this alarming situation. It’s crucial for platforms like ours to continue these conversations and advocate for change.
ML: Thank you for shedding light on such an important issue. Awareness is the first step towards change.
TNE: And to our viewers, let’s keep the dialogue open and work together to build a future where everyone feels safe and respected. Thank you for joining us today.