The Amsterdam police indicated this Friday morning that arrested 62 people at night, during clashes between aficionados locals and Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv, which occurred in the capital of the Netherlands.
“So far, it is known that five people were taken to hospital and 62 were arrested,” in the clashes that occurred after a Europa League match between Ajax and the Israeli club, Amsterdam police stated in X.
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Clashes over a soccer match
Clashes broke out on Thursday night in the center of Amsterdam after a club-level continental tournament match between Ajax and Maccabi, which the local team won (5-0).
The mayor of the Dutch capital, Femke Halsema, explained that gangs on motorcycles attacked fans of the Israeli club, hitting and kicking them before fleeing, leaving five people hospitalized.
“Our city has been deeply damaged. Jewish culture has been deeply threatened. “It is an outbreak of anti-Semitism that I hope we never see again,” Halsema declared, adding that she felt “embarrassed” by the violence.
Officers made 62 arrests, but Police Chief Peter Holla said hit-and-run tactics made it “exceptionally” difficult to prevent incidents, adding that 800 officers had been deployed, a very high number for Amsterdam.
The mayor announced stricter security measures in the city, such as a temporary ban on demonstrations and increased police deployment.
It is confirmed that the attackers in Amsterdam were organized Arabs, here attacking dozens to one, cowards beyond measure.
There are dozens of Jews locked up in hotels and businesses, the police continue to make arrests pic.twitter.com/VrKsSzZhTe— @IsraelVive (@IsraelVive1948) November 8, 2024
Peter Holla assured that tension was already high, with incidents on Wednesday, 24 hours before the game. According to him, Maccabi fans “destroyed a taxi. A Palestinian flag was set on fire at the Dam”, referring to the central square of Amsterdam.
An unverified video spread on social media and supposedly recorded on Thursday appeared to show some Maccabi fans chanting in Hebrew: “End the Arabs! “We are going to win!”
Since the afternoon, a hundred Israeli fans had gathered in Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam, surrounded by a large police force, before heading to the Johan Cruyff stadium, in the southwest of the city.
A pro-Palestinian rally was planned next to the stadium, which was finally moved to a more remote area by the mayor’s office for security reasons.
🇳🇱🇮🇱| Soccer ⚽️🇪🇺
Israeli fans of the Tel Aviv club tore down flags 🇵🇸 from balconies in the Netherlands
The Dutch showed no mercy to the killers 🇮🇱 and chased them through Amsterdam.The criminal mafia 🇮🇱 believes itself to have power over the 🌍
+Videos below 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/fK
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the clashes and said the images were reminiscent of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
“We see with horror this morning the shocking images and videos that since October 7 we hoped we would never see again: an anti-Semitic pogrom that is currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands,” wrote in X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the events as a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack.”
In response to the violence, the Israeli military banned all personnel from traveling to the Netherlands until further notice.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will travel to the Dutch capital for an “urgent diplomatic visit.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced “anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis,” calling them “unacceptable,” in a message on X.
“I am in direct contact with all the people involved. Netanyahu insisted that the perpetrators of these acts be found and brought to justice,” he said.
Later, at the end of a European summit in Budapest, Schoof said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the incidents.
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The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, “strongly condemned these unacceptable acts,” and noted that “anti-Semitism has no place in Europe.”
In turn, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, pointed out that what happened in Amsterdam “recalls the most undignified hours in history.”
For its part, the UN described the violence as “very worrying.”
Outraged by last night’s vile attacks targeting Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.
I just spoke with @MinPres Sheaf.
I strongly condemn these unacceptable acts.
Antisemitism has absolutely no place in Europe. And we are determined to fight all forms of hatred.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 8, 2024
Israeli fans return home after incidents
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent two rescue planes to the Netherlands on Friday after incidents in Amsterdam with Tel Aviv Maccabi fans that led to dozens of arrests.
“The prime minister ordered the immediate dispatch of two rescue planes to come to the aid of our citizens,” Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
Subsequently, the plane carrying Israeli fans from Amsterdam landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Friday.
Related
Title: A Closer Look at the Clashes in Amsterdam: An Interview with Dr. Sarah Cohen, Expert on Social Conflicts and Anti-SemitismInterviewer (John Smith, Editor of Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Cohen. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent clashes in Amsterdam between local fans and supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv. The escalation of violence raises serious concerns about the social fabric of Europe, particularly in relation to anti-Semitism. What are your initial thoughts on the situation?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you for having me, John. My initial thoughts are indeed focused on the alarming rise of violence connected to ethnic and national identities, especially in contexts like sporting events. The clashes witnessed in Amsterdam are deeply troubling, not just because of the immediate violence, but also because they reflect broader societal tensions that have been simmering for some time.
John Smith: Absolutely. The incident occurred after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which Ajax won quite decisively. The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, mentioned that gangs on motorcycles attacked Israeli fans. What does this kind of organized aggression indicate about the situation in Amsterdam?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: It highlights a concerning trend of organized violence fueled by identity politics. When fan culture intertwines with larger sociopolitical issues—like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—it can create a breeding ground for violence. The fact that these attacks were described as organized suggests a level of premeditation and intent that is particularly alarming. It shows that some groups are looking to exploit football matches as venues for broader ideological battles.
John Smith: Mayor Halsema described this violence as an outbreak of anti-Semitism, expressing her embarrassment over the incident. How significant is the role of political and social leadership in addressing such issues?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Leadership plays a critical role, especially in times of social unrest. The mayor’s acknowledgment of the anti-Semitic nature of the violence is important—it shows a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. However, effective leadership must go beyond just acknowledgment. There needs to be a robust response that includes community engagement, education, and law enforcement measures that are sensitive to the underlying causes of such violence.
John Smith: The Israeli government reacted strongly, with Prime Minister Netanyahu calling the clashes a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack.” How do you view the response from both the Israeli and Dutch governments?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: The swift condemnation from both governments reflects the seriousness of the situation. However, it also underscores the need for careful diplomacy. Statements can rally communities and signal solidarity, but long-term solutions require addressing the underlying tensions. It’s a delicate balance—action must be taken against violence, but without escalating divides further.
John Smith: Earlier in the week, there were tensions leading up to the match, including incidents involving Maccabi fans and the burning of a Palestinian flag. How do events like these contribute to the buildup of animosity?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Such incidents can serve as flashpoints, escalating existing tensions and creating a cycle of retaliation. When one group feels threatened or attacked, it often responds defensively, which can exacerbate the situation. This cycle not only fuels tensions in the moment but can have lasting impacts on inter-community relations.
John Smith: As we look forward, what steps can be taken to mitigate such violence in the future, particularly in a multicultural society like the Netherlands?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Education and awareness programs are essential. Communities must engage in dialogue that fosters understanding and tolerance. Events should also be managed with an awareness of their potential to trigger violence, involving security measures that balance safety with the right to assemble. Policymakers must also invest in community-building initiatives that promote coexistence and mutual respect among different cultural and ethnic groups.
John Smith: Thank you, Dr. Cohen. It’s clear that the path forward is complex but crucial for maintaining social harmony. We appreciate your insights into such an important topic.
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you, John. It’s vital for us to keep these conversations going, especially in light of recent events, and to ensure that we learn from these experiences to foster a more inclusive society.