”The Israeli fans experienced moments of anguish, they were deliberately attacked,” according to Dutch police
The violence that broke out on the night between Thursday and Friday in Amsterdam represents a “explosion of anti-Semitism” Who “Haven’t seen it for a long time”the city’s mayor, Femke Halsema, said Friday.
Ms. Halsema, who said “furious”they reported people who beat fans of the Israeli team Maccabi Tel-Aviv before fleeing “thugs on scooters”, looking for Israeli supporters. “I understand very well that this is reminiscent of pogroms,” he added.
Amsterdam it is “deeply damaged”– declared the mayor “the war in the Middle East threatens peace even in our city”.
According to Amsterdam Police Chief Peter Holla, the police were “prepared as much as possible” but they failed to prevent the violence despite the deployment of more than 800 officers, he reports Volkskrant. “It is extremely difficult to act against this type of fulminating action, spread throughout the city”explained Mr. Holla, who then declared it “Israeli fans have experienced moments of anguish. They were deliberately attacked.”.
According to the police, “The perpetrators were guilty of several serious attacks.” Five injured people were treated in hospital, another 30-40 slightly injured people were treated in Amstelveen. All the injured have now left the hospital.
“As of this afternoon, an emergency order is in place for Amsterdam and Amstelveen. The entire city is designated as a security risk zone », according to the Dutch newspaperlive from the press conference. “This weekend, demonstrations are banned, wearing clothing that covers the face is prohibited and the municipality is deploying additional police officers. »
“What happened is a shame for Amsterdam. Internationally we are not doing well.”said the city mayor.
At the same time, “after an assessment of the situation”the Israeli army has banned all its personnel from traveling to the Netherlands « until further notice”he said in a press release.
“What happened in Amsterdam is unacceptable. This is the large-scale spread of anti-Semitism.”added the French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, on the sidelines of a visit to Marseille.
Time.news Interview: Examining Anti-Semitism and Violence in Amsterdam
Editor (Sarah Lane): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we have with us Dr. Liora Cohen, a distinguished expert in conflict resolution and ethnic studies. Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Liora Cohen: Thank you for having me, Sarah. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Sarah Lane: Let’s dive right in. The recent violence in Amsterdam targeting Israeli fans has been described by the city’s mayor as an “explosion of anti-Semitism” unseen for a long time. What are your initial thoughts on this alarming situation?
Dr. Cohen: It’s indeed very troubling. Violence motivated by anti-Semitism is particularly disturbing, especially in a city renowned for its progressive values and tolerance. This kind of targeted aggression not only harms individuals but also sends shockwaves through communities, raising fears and intensifying divisions.
Sarah Lane: Mayor Femke Halsema expressed her fury, highlighting that those attacking the fans were “thugs on scooters.” How do such acts of violence resonate with historical context, particularly in relation to events like pogroms?
Dr. Cohen: The comparison to pogroms is particularly striking and shows just how deeply this violence is felt. Pogroms were organized massacres against Jewish communities, and while the context today is different, the underlying motive of anti-Semitism remains. It evokes a sense of vulnerability among Jewish communities everywhere, and it is deeply concerning when such parallels are drawn.
Sarah Lane: Peter Holla, the Amsterdam Police Chief, stated that they deployed over 800 officers but still failed to prevent the violence. What challenges do law enforcement agencies face in controlling spontaneous outbreaks of violence?
Dr. Cohen: Spontaneous violence, particularly when fueled by emotion and ideology, is notoriously difficult to predict and control. In densely populated urban areas, such outbreaks can spread quickly, and officers may find themselves outnumbered or caught off-guard. While police and emergency services can prepare, the fluid nature of such events means they can only react once violence has already occurred.
Sarah Lane: We also saw reports of multiple injuries, with some requiring hospitalization. How do such incidents affect the broader community beyond just those directly involved?
Dr. Cohen: The impact can be profound. For the immediate victims, the physical and psychological scars can last a lifetime. For the wider community, such acts of violence can lead to increased fear, mistrust, and social fragmentation. It can polarize communities, leading to increased tension, and ultimately, it can provoke further violence.
Sarah Lane: Following the attacks, an emergency order has been issued designating the city as a security risk zone. What does this kind of measure signify for the city and its residents?
Dr. Cohen: This emergency status reflects the seriousness of the situation. It signifies a heightened alert and necessitates increased security measures, which can contribute to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. While it may be important for immediate safety, such declarations can also impact daily life, tourism, and the overall sense of security among residents.
Sarah Lane: Lastly, Dr. Cohen, in your view, what steps can communities and governments take to combat anti-Semitism and prevent such violence in the future?
Dr. Cohen: Education is key. Comprehensive educational programs that foster understanding, tolerance, and respect for diversity can help combat ignorance and prejudice. Communities must engage in open dialogue to address grievances and misunderstandings. Additionally, strong legislation that categorically condemns hate crimes and violent acts against any group can help deter would-be perpetrators. Partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations are pivotal in building trust, sharing information, and ensuring that such violence does not recur.
Sarah Lane: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your valuable insights today. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in conversations about how to create safer, more inclusive communities.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me, Sarah. It’s an important discussion, and I hope to see progress in the right direction.
Sarah Lane: And thank you to our audience for joining us in this important dialogue. Until next time, stay informed and stay engaged.